Ravi Bajpai
Ravi Bajpai is not-an-award-winning journalist with 20 years of experience in reporting and leading newsrooms across Asia Pacific - India, Hong Kong and New Zealand.
Dunedin man who slapped wife repeatedly discharged without conviction over deportation fears
Gurjit Singh initially faced more serious allegations, including assault with intent to injure and threatening to kill.
600 applications. 53 interviews. 0 job. A Wellington graduate struggling to get off the blocks
"It's very tough - applying for roles at times felt like it was a full-time role in itself, ironically."
Truant student may have to curb Khalistan speech in India but will be deported, NZ tribunal rules
The 21-year-old's education provider terminated his enrollment within a year because of poor attendance.
New Zealand-trained Indian pilot hailed for saving 174 people in Flydubai suspected crash bid
Smit Machchhar trained with Mainland Air in Dunedin for about 18 months between 2008 and 2009.
54 hours worked, 26 hours paid: Indian migrant wins $60,000 from Auckland employer
The man's additional claim that he paid unlawful premiums to procure the visa didn't hold up in the employment tribunal.
Overstayers for more than 10 years get residence as tribunal says deporting their children too harsh
The mother was served a deportation notice in 2009 but wasn't taken into custody as she was breastfeeding her newborn.
New Zealand giving Indian students little chance to fix visa applications, finds new report
Indian students whose visas were rejected were far less likely than Chinese applicants to be asked for more information, according to the report.
Community rallies to raise funds after Kiwi-Indian schoolboy dies suddenly in Auckland
In the weeks before his death, he became unwell, experiencing dizziness, fainting and painful mouth sores.
Election 2026: The real problem New Zealand faces but political pledges mostly avoid
A problem so pressing that neither an economic recovery nor a change of government can quickly fix.
Auckland mayor brings up Papatoetoe election rerun to question costly in-person voting
Auckland Council has chosen to bring back in-person voting in 2028, as Wayne Brown questions whether it's the best use of money.
Indian woman stranded in Dubai after paying $34,000 for Rotorua job wins court challenge
More than $70,000 in awards and legal costs have been ordered against her former employer and two others.
As Greens poll record high, a survey reveals what New Zealand voters really care about
With a projected 19 MPs, the Greens have recorded their highest ever result in the 1News Verian poll.
Brian Tamaki suggests Sikh procession in Bay of Plenty was akin to religious persuasion
"Would they give Christians $15,000 to take Jesus Christ through the streets?"
Selfie: ‘Daddy, please don’t take me to an India-NZ cricket match’. A migrant's dilemma
Can a migrant embrace a new home without abandoning old loyalties? Sports often offers a reckoning for migrants.
Repeat teen offender in bootcamp charged over two armed robberies in the middle of rehab
"These are the ones that everything's been offered to them in the community ... and then they continue to offend and seriously offend."
Can you be Indian and Kiwi? National's Mahesh Muralidhar on patriotism, racism and belonging
National's big ticket Indian-origin candidate on what ethnic representation really achieves and why New Zealanders still struggle to get along.
Migrant prison guards in Auckland accused of drug smuggling can't work, can't go home
Two fathers facing serious corruption charges have been unable to work elsewhere because of their visas and awaiting criminal trials in 2028.
Indian businesses eye investment opportunities after signing of free trade agreement
Exporters are expected to start benefitting from a second round of tariff cuts on January 1, 2027.
Unitec ordered to take back Kiwi-Indian analyst it fired without notice after two decades
The showdown between the institute and the employee has been only temporarily resolved for now.
Too dangerous to deport young overstayer mother to Afghanistan, tribunal grants residence
The woman's husband is a New Zealand citizen and she was eligible for residence. But there was a catch.
Explained: How to make a citizen’s arrest without getting yourself arrested
Do you plan on making a citizen's arrest any time soon? There's some things you might want to know first.
Done deal: India, NZ FTA to take effect October 20 as ratification is formally complete
The deal caps years of stop-start negotiations and gives New Zealand its biggest trade opening into India yet.
The don’ts and don’ts of applying for asylum in New Zealand as a Khalistan supporter
A review of about three dozen Khalistan-linked asylum appeals rejected in the last few years reveals five recurring themes that sink such claims.
Life just got tougher for international students in Australia. Why is this group being targeted?
The number of students on graduate visas has more than doubled from 70,000 in June 2019 to 199,000 in June 2026.
New Zealand’s invisible Indian pioneers who became a vital part of national identity
The production paid homage to the fight for independence from colonial rule in South Asia.
Indian father, son made to clean Hamilton employer’s home, bathrooms and work up to 14 hours
The workers arrived on an Accredited Employer Work Visa as cleaners for a popular childcare centre in Waikato.
One India tour can help fund New Zealand cricket for two to three years, says sports boss
“When we don’t have India as a touring side to New Zealand, you know, it’s a big loss for us.”
Election 2026: Labour promises visa-free travel for Pacific as overstayer rates rise
It is estimated out of an overstayer population of 19,153 currently in the country, 2541 are Tongan, and 1462 are Samoan.
ACT's Kiwi-Indian candidate pauses election campaign, questions party list ranking process
“I am seriously considering what my political involvement looks like from here," says Himanshu Parmar.
Bay of Plenty boss hit with $400K exploitation bill has ‘no money’, ordered to pay more
The employer seems to have a source of income to pay for his family and travel to India, the Employment Relations Authority has found.
Hamilton teen who made citizen's arrest charged with assault, Goldsmith says new law is clear
"We've got clear legislation in place and we expect people to follow it.”
93-29: Parliament approves India FTA, deal expected to come into force in October
“We expect this high quality agreement to enter into force this year,” says trade minister Todd McClay.
Priyanca Radhakrishnan tries to puncture Luxon’s FTA victory, says India was already sold
“Things have changed quite dramatically on the Indian government side,” says the Indian-origin Labour MP.
South Asian diaspora raises over $200,000 for New Zealanders missing in Nepal flood
"I'm so proud of the Indian community here who...supported us, saying it is not a Nepal problem but our problem."
INZ estimates 9% drop in overstayers after revised count, Indians ranked fourth
The apparent fall in overstayers is partly due to the way INZ estimates the number of those who have defaulted.
Tamakis launch Indian-origin candidate for Epsom who surrendered passport and has ‘assimilated’
“I know a whole lot of people are going to be like shocked,” says Hannah Tamaki.
Worries about NZ's demographics are legit. Patriotism alone may not be the answer
New Zealand does need a serious debate about its population mix. It must be a better one.
'Devastating': Indian family racially abused in Christchurch, hunt on to identify attacker
“We’ll always be reminded of this, thanks to this man who thinks we don’t belong.”
ACT list: Parmjeet Parmar slips but stays in the game as Ash Parmar is placed 16th
Two repeat Indian-origin candidates have both slipped in the rankings, while two first-timers are ranked significantly lower.
Immigration reset: National drops hints as parties on left and right target permanent residence
New Zealand's permanent residence framework provides an edge over Australia and Canada in attracting overseas talent.
'Everything seems to be down": Indian businesses report encouraging turnaround in crime
"As with everything the government does, there was a time-lag in these laws making a material effect on the ground."
Christian man who can't go to church in China granted asylum in New Zealand
“The Chinese Communist Party has a policy to limit and control the practice of religion in China.”
Election'26: Labour vows to extend permanent residence wait from two to four years
The party believes migrants need time to "put down roots" before they can graduate to permanent residency.
NZ First wants to end birthright citizenship for children of migrants, work rights for students
"This set of polices is about taking back control of the future of our country and valuing our unique citizenship the way it should be."
India-NZ FTA gets select committee nod, stage set for anticipated October launch
“If that is the case, how exciting is that for New Zealand. Exciting, isn’t it?”
'Parallel policy institution': ACT sets out plan to wind up Waitangi Tribunal over scope creep
The party is campaigning on four reforms that it says will end the tribunal's contemporary jurisdiction.
Indian navy chief coming to NZ as countries prepare for regular joint maritime exercises
The trip is part of the Indian navy chief's wider outreach in the region, including meetings in Australia.
$702,000 fine for Christchurch employer who underpaid workers, made them work on holidays
"This is an exceptional case in terms of the obstructive behaviour..."
Children can't be blamed for overstayer mother, says tribunal, as family is granted residence
The ruling puts the spotlight back on migrant children who grew up in New Zealand while their parents overstayed their visa.
'Are you seriously...": Migrants shocked by NZ First’s citizen-only superannuation policy
For migrants from countries that don't allow dual citizenship, becoming a New Zealand citizen isn't a straightforward decision.
$12K raised for family of Kiwi-Indian father killed while cycling home in Auckland
Bhupesh Patel left work earlier than usual on the day of the crash because he wanted to take his sons to a class.
‘Huge mistake’: Indian couple lose New Zealand residence while living in Canada
The family had a second shot at applying for permanent residency but they were late by less than a month.
Faking News: Sports loyalty test proposed as citizenship alone may not prove commitment to NZ
“What we really need to understand is where your heart is when New Zealand needs 14 runs off the final over.”
Dunedin City Council rejects proposal to explore partnership with an Indian city
Councillor Benedict Ong wanted Dunedin to investigate a sister-city partnership with an Indian city.
The migrant candidate warning New Zealand about migrants having too many children
Immigration policy must serve New Zealand’s interests first, says NZ First's Bernadette Soares.
Opportunity out of Parliament in latest poll, as coalition retains power on back of ACT surge
Christopher Luxon remains ahead of Chris Hipkins as preferred prime minister.
Beyond Bollywood: Why New Zealand musicians should be looking to India
"I don't like to reduce countries to numbers...but I think with India it's a good place to start."
Migrant denied residence for being morbidly obese won’t be deported from New Zealand
The woman's health turned out to be a key reason why she was eventually allowed to settle in New Zealand permanently.
Restaurateur who underpaid five migrants wasn’t deliberately exploiting them, finds tribunal
Three of the overseas staff were related to the employer, although it's not clear what those family relationships were.
Priyanca Radhakrishnan takes petition seeking Peters’ removal as foreign minister to Parliament
The Labour MP says presenting a petition does not always mean endorsing it. But this time she agrees with the petitioner.
‘God’s decision’: Lucky change of plan saves New Zealand pilgrims from Nepal flood
"I think it's not me who saved their lives but Lord Shiva."
Explainer: Interest rates have gone up again. But they won’t affect the prices that matter most
The latest OCR hike is unlikely to relieve the pressure voters feel at the petrol station and the supermarket.
CEO by day, actor by weekend: Auckland exec's double life takes centre stage
Aucklander Rishabh Kapoor has put his actor’s hat on as Prayas Theatre prepares to open its new absurd comedy, Mama Moo.
Papatoetoe, Manurewa polls: MPs propose two fixes to tackle postal voting concerns
The report notes the local government minister has already acknowledged postal voting is out of step with how New Zealanders interact with democracy.
Mayor Wayne Brown harassed man of Indian descent by calling him 'terrorist', finds inquiry
The mayor has described his comments to a RNZ staffer as a fumbled attempt at humour.
Migrant entrepreneurs are dumping New Zealand. The new investor visa won’t replace them
A new research involving 22 high-skilled immigrant entrepreneurs lays bare how growing a business in New Zealand could be backbreaking.
Election 2026: ACT proposes to scrap indefinite permanent residence in New Zealand
The party wants migrant residents to keep proving their connection to New Zealand indefinitely.
Nearly 25% of asylum claims in INZ backlog 'manifestly unfounded', officials estimate
The estimate comes as New Zealand’s asylum system deals with the double whammy of a sharp increase in claims.
'Slave practices': Indian migration back on Shane Jones’ agenda as he targets kiwifruit labour
The reputation of Indians in the kiwifruit industry is “in some cases mud”, says the deputy leader of New Zealand First.
For Brian Tamaki, Modi’s one-day New Zealand visit hasn't really ended
Long after the Indian prime minister flew out, the leader of the Destiny Church still seems to be nursing some serious wounds.
Called racist by some, Rotorua’s te reo Māori-only cafe opens. With an English-speaking lobby
After months of attention (and backlash), Rumaki Cafe is finally serving customers and testing whether the controversy matched the reality.
Three Kiwi-Indians identified among five New Zealanders missing in Nepal floods
A mother of two and a couple who operate a dairy store in Hamilton have been named so far.
Man who beat wife, then cited her career prospects to fight deportation must return to India
The tribunal accepted the man's premise that his wife would suffer if he were deported. But it declined the appeal nevertheless.
‘Not an Indian’: Auckland roadside urination photo sparks debate over racial double standards
Bad behaviour by a migrant can quickly become a judgment on the whole community.
973 donors help Fiji-Indian couple cover $31,815 medical bill after baby arrived 3 days too late
“Had the birth occurred only a couple of days earlier, we would not have been faced with this overwhelming hospital bill."
New Westpac report challenges Winston Peters’ economic case against India-NZ FTA
“We view the estimates as overly conservative as they only reflect the direct impact of the FTA."
NZ First’s Indian candidate reheats butter chicken debate – with a different flavour
“Like a good butter chicken, a good trade agreement needs balance."
Bhajan clubbing: Young Kiwi-Indians are reimagining spirituality with devotional music
"It gives people time to de-stress and comes without the baggage of drinks or alcohol."
The jury’s out on social media bans. Here’s a better idea NZ can borrow from Australia
Research suggests a limited change in social media use by young people in the first three months of Australia’s regulation.
0 out of 40: New Zealand is taking a hard line on Khalistan asylum appeals
Since 2025, New Zealand’s apex immigration tribunal has decided on 40 Khalistan-linked asylum cases. Not one has succeeded.
National's pain is no gain for Labour. New poll pegs Opportunity Party as kingmaker
Neither the left nor right bloc can form a government without Opportunity, an RNZ poll has found.
Immigration has become an election weapon in New Zealand. How did it all begin?
The anti-immigration rhetoric of recent months has been part of the country's election cycles in varying degrees since 1987.
Papatoetoe poll: Police close case with no charges, after most Indian candidates win re-run
Months after the Indian-origin ticket won the re-election, police now say they can't prove any electoral fraud.
$52,000 per person: How a Tauranga labour hire company sold jobs for cash in India
An Employment Relations Authority ruling lays bare the transnational exchange of cash for visas in the horticulture industry.
Why India did a trade deal with New Zealand. Explained by its foreign minister’s son
"In this day and age, we can't completely separate economics and strategy," public policy expert Dhruva Jaishankar says.
'Ethnic makeup' doesn't spook Winston Peters. 'Societal makeup' is the concern, he says
“The whole dichotomy of New Zealand society is changing without any consent of the New Zealand people.”
Election 2026: Can New Zealand please start talking about creating wealth?
Socialism and capitalism are often presented as an ideological argument. History shows us no economic system is a magic solution.
Woman denied freedom to choose husband in India granted asylum in New Zealand
In recognising her as a refugee, the immigration tribunal has identified the relevant protected social group simply as "women".
‘Not enough demand’: Education ministry pours cold water on push for Hindi as school subject
A parliamentary committee is reviewing a petition to formalise Hindi as part of New Zealand's education framework.
Disloyalty cost Penk his job. How come Peters gets away with racism? Hipkins asks
The Opposition leader is asking why Luxon hasn't shown similar appetite for consequences over racist remarks.
New skilled migrant rules are here. For red and amber list roles, job title may not be enough
The burden of proof rests entirely on the applicant to demonstrate their role is a "substantial match" to the ANZSCO description.
Kiwi-Indian millionaire who joined Luxon’s India delegation is leaving New Zealand
Kaur’s departure is particularly striking because she is almost exactly the sort of success story New Zealand has been keen to celebrate.
After months attacking the India FTA, Peters has suddenly stopped talking about it
The trade deal has disappeared almost completely from the NZ First leader's election speeches lately.
A former National candidate wants MPs drug-tested four times a year. Not just for the obvious
Siva Kilari says his petition is not about catching MPs using drugs. Maybe, but not entirely.
You are now legally allowed to arrest thieves. But you can still get into trouble
The police are warning making a citizen's arrest carries both legal and personal risks, even with the law in force.
10 migrants, 1 ‘film crew’ and thousands in fees to enter NZ: Inside a visa-for-cash scam
A tribunal decision lays bare how the alleged scheme worked. From recruitment and debt to deception and threats.
Peters' 'go back' culture-war is beginning to bite NZ First and dent its popularity
Peters has been spending his time speaking to a small disillusioned and disenfranchised group of New Zealanders.
Diaspora members hide names, switch off cameras amid rising foreign interference fears
“We’ll go into Teams meetings where people have shut off their screen because they don’t want to show.”
Analysis: Police review of Rakesh Naidoo’s Labour move finds the problem wasn’t Naidoo
An internal review has found the senior police officer's conduct in the days leading up to his big political reveal seems quite kosher.
Christopher Luxon's leadership victory: You come at the King, you best not miss
It's a bold call to punish his opponents, and a bit of a farce when he's only gone after one.
NZ First says population trends are at a ‘crisis point’. The reality is not that simple
A policy predicated on increasing the number of 'certain babies' is neither effective nor necessary.
The Parent Resident Visa queue is back. The door is still narrow.
There is an obvious problem with having to wait up to five years. Circumstances change.
MPs want limits on immigration officers’ power to demand ID after racial profiling concerns
Critics argue under the new provisions appearance, accent or perceived migrant status could influence who seemed suspicious.
The Luxon dilemma: Should he stay or should he go?
Luxon's personal performance has had moments of reprieve but that was all undone last week.
Māori or not, everyone will have to take New Zealand’s new citizenship test
The government clarification comes amid a wider debate about preferential citizenship rights for people with Maori ancestry.
‘One day, I’m going to...’: The Kiwi-Indian family behind Air NZ’s famous lollies
The Bhikha family now makes 22 million of Air New Zealand’s famous lollies each year.
MPs bin ACT's election policy to make some migrants liable for deportation for life
ACT Party's proposal would raise questions of proportionality in criminal justice, a select committee has found.
Coalition leadership is hard. But Luxon’s ‘nuclear option’ of dumping MMP is not the answer
Casting the country back to an electoral system that delivered disproportionate power won't address the real problem.
Brian Tamaki says police have permanently revoked his gun licence over Modi visit remarks
The Destiny Church leader says four of the five matters considered by police related to statements he made around Indian prime minister Narendra Modi's visit.
National gives just one Indian-origin candidate a real list shot. And only just
Mahesh Muralidhar’s ranking gives him a genuine shot at becoming a list MP. But it's nowhere close to safe.
Immigration rejig: Majority of parent resident visas will follow waitlist, ballot system dropped
Under the new model, expressions of interest will no longer automatically expire after two years.
Opinion: Modi may have given Luxon his biggest lift of the election year
A new poll has projected a sudden rise in Luxon's popularity. The Indian prime minister's visit seems to have played a part.
Election 2026: The Asian candidates eyeing larger representation in Parliament
Eleven politicians of Asian heritage currently sit in the Beehive.
Brought to New Zealand at six, man wins residence after 20 years without a visa
The Tuvalu-born father was denied entry to high school because of his immigration status.
Winston vs Peters: Foreign minister won’t say whether Chinese people ‘lie like a flatfish’
A blow-by-blow account of how Winston Peters tried to dodge questions on his racist slur in Parliament.
ACT's 'visually misleading' post: Is it a graphic or a graph?
"You've got one big stack, and one small stack. You look at that and go, those are comparable."
‘Wouldn’t matter if an Indian dies’: Auckland man wins higher payout against racist boss
“How much do I owe you, $5 or $10, isn’t that what you get in India?”
Same to you: Hipkins rules out Peters, who says he already ruled out Hipkins
"He can't continue in that job, he can't credibly represent New Zealand on the world stage," says the Labour leader.
Execution theatre was a cheap stunt. But Winston Peters’ outrage is still rich
Election-year politics is becoming a competition for how offensive a person can be while still claiming to have started an important conversation.
One-year jail for shoplifting under $500 too severe, argues Labour, as new law inches closer
The party made a final unsuccessful push against a tougher penalty as Parliament cleared the Crimes Amendment Bill for its third reading.
Six years (and counting?): Young voters just won't sign up to vote
What will it take to bring youngsters to the polling station?
MPs pull back from handing retailers sweeping trespass powers
The cutback follows warnings the bill could allow someone to be barred nationwide over disproportionately minor offending.
Man who spent 7 of 11 years in New Zealand fending off deportation must leave, tribunal rules
The man's connection to New Zealand was undermined because most of his time here had been spent dealing with criminal charges, the judge ruled.
'There's a game going on here': Luxon asks for votes in response to Peters' immigrant comments
"It's very easy to denigrate immigrants and to drive xenophobia in this country."
Opinion: Seymour’s staggering double standard on Winston Peters’ racist tirade
The ACT leader's failure to unequivocally condemn Peters' attack on a Chinese-born MP is eye-popping.
The Punjabi language has made its move into New Zealand's formal education system
A new Private Training Establishment hopes to shift the conventional volunteer-led language classes to a more structured curriculum.
The Islamic bookshop of Auckland that's fast turning into a community hub
What started as a mother's search for books that reflected her family has grown into a rare Islamic bookshop, creating a space for friendships, learning and belonging.
Thrice in 18 months: Winston Peters can’t resist deriding MPs over their ethnicity
"Go back to your own country – that’s where they lie like a flatfish..."
FTA hustle: The Wellington think-tank promising to give New Zealand a hang of India
New Zealand has resurrected a research institute in the hope it'll help Kiwis better understand India in the post-FTA world.
Private fireworks for festivals like Diwali to remain legal as government rejects ban
The government has turned down an unprecedented parliamentary recommendation to end public sale and private use of fireworks.
“That Curry in Your Lunchbox?”: Growing up Indian at an East Auckland school
"Had he really called rai aloo, my mum’s mustard potatoes, curry?!"
Stanford won't release file Peters says proves discrimination against Indian migrants
The immigration minister says the public value in releasing the document does not outweigh the need to keep it secret.
The Green Party candidate deploying bikini ‘thirst traps’ to get young men to vote
“If blatant racism and division are valid election strategies, what about thirst traps?” wonders Tania Waikato.
Election'26: ACT considering replacing health insurance requirement for migrant parent visa
National's coalition partner says the Parent Boost Visitor Visa needs to be fairer and more accessible.
Voting in Auckland’s Khalistan referendum didn't make Sikh man a refugee, tribunal rules
The man from Rajasthan also submitted photographs of him waving a flag outside the Indian high commission in Wellington.
Election 2026: NZ First's only Indian-origin candidate who wants to suspend immigration
We spoke with Mumbai-born entrepreneur Bernadette Soares about Indian migration, New Zealand First and...Shane Jones.
India FTA critics should remember how Rocket Lab began, Kiwi tech pioneer says
Sir Ian Taylor makes an emotional pitch for New Zealand to think big, and give aspiration a chance.
Virginity-testing ban shouldn’t disparage women who value virginity, NZ First MP says
“I would hate to see this House choosing to say that some religious choices are of more value than other religious choices,” Casey Costello says.
Beyond FTA: Peters meets India's Jaishankar, talks deeper defence cooperation
The Manila catch-up is the first in a series of bilateral meetings envisaged under the strategic partnership announced this month.
Immigration: Changes to ballot system for residence of migrants' parents coming soon
Any changes are expected to centre around the ballot system which picks who can apply for the visas.
Labour’s Rakesh Naidoo’s final weeks with police won’t involve any policing
Until he leaves, Naidoo will not undertake active campaigning, exercise police powers or wear a police uniform.
Podium flown in from India and more: Inside Modi’s security bubble in Auckland
The heightened security surrounding Indian prime ministers is a consequence of two deadly attacks on the country's political leaders.
Sikh Nagar Kirtan: NZ's new human rights statement makes public religious expression explicit
"It should be understood as clarifying rights already guaranteed under the New Zealand Bill of Rights Act," says race relations commissioner Melissa Derby.
Modi visit: Shane Jones denies 'knee pads' remark was oral sex reference
"You've got this woke media with a mindset that takes the worst catastrophic view about harmless expression."
Peters the foreign minister is now a material risk to NZ's relationship with India
A foreign minister should ordinarily reduce uncertainty between governments. Peters has become one of its principal sources.
New Zealand revives India research institute as FTA exposes ‘gap of ignorance'
"Now that we have the FTA in place, even though it's not perfect, it opens up a lot of opportunities for us."
Jana Nayagan: Auckland Vijay fan books entire cinema for TN chief minister’s new film
"For my generation, his movies, his messages and his audio releases were always inspirational or motivational."
Election 2026: NZ parties want to make rooftop solar more affordable. But cost isn’t everything
Why aren’t recognised benefits translating into widespread adoption of rooftop solar power?
Election 2026: NZ First dips into Destiny Church ranks for Papakura candidate
George Ngatai's political career has taken him through several parties, and more than one ideological neighbourhood.
'Pretty crass': Luxon slams Shane Jones as hypocritcal over Modi jibe, India FTA comments
"I'm actually proud of the team and all the efforts that went into hosting a significant world leader in Prime Minister Modi."
Shane Jones vows to ‘call out’ Indian population growth, put ‘our own people’ first
"Fix that problem up, and then we'll be embracing a better mix and a stronger, healthier dose of immigration."
Man who couldn't be saved back home granted NZ residence over life-threatening condition
A rare pathway allowed a seriously ill migrant to stay in New Zealand and access life-saving treatment.
Parmar says colleague Paul Henry's comments 'unacceptable', won’t say if he has changed
Parmar has drawn a distinction between Henry’s conduct 16 years ago and the person he is now.
‘Obsequious subservience’: Peters attacks Luxon’s behaviour during Modi visit
The foreign minister missed Narendra Modi’s visit. He has not missed the chance to review Christopher Luxon’s performance as host.
Tickets for Indian men football team's maiden New Zealand tour on sale from July 22
The friendlies are a part of the government-backed '100 Years of Unity Through Sport' programme celebrating ties between the two countries.
Most Muslims safe in India, says New Zealand tribunal, rejects refugee claim
The applicant said he had been targeted because of social work for an Islamist political party back home.
Indian-origin councillor rejects NZ First overtures, says party has weaponised immigration
Raj Kumar says Shane Jones’ “butter chicken tsunami” remark reinforced his concerns.
If India walks away from FTA, US$20-billion investment will be the least of NZ's problems
The FTA is just one part of a much larger strategic architecture. That changes how the investment commitment should be understood.
Broadcaster whose racist taunt at Sheila Dikshit sparked Indian protest named ACT candidate
The broadcaster will contest the 2026 election 16 years after his racist remarks forced his departure from TVNZ’s Breakfast programme.
NZ First tells Parmjeet Parmar it's not against FTA, as ACT MP pokes fun at minister
"What was it you said… 'better to watch what people do instead of what they say'. Indeed."
FTA visas: India suggests Peters is confusing trade for immigration
“It has nothing to do with immigration, which is a completely different phenomenon of people moving and permanently residing.”
‘Helping hold up New Zealand’: Is this Luxon’s strongest tribute yet to Kiwi-Indians?
“Whoever you are in this country, this community is already part of your story, whether you have noticed it or not.”
Modi returns to New Zealand with a 30-year-old scarf, rugby dreams and Kiwi jokes
"It took 40 years for an Indian prime minister to return to New Zealand, but you will not have to wait that long again."
Modi visit: NZ announces funds for Indian football, bowls teams tour this year
The celebrations are scheduled to culminate in a month of sporting events across New Zealand in November.
Modi in Auckland: India-New Zealand announce strategic partnership, beyond just trade
Sources say the elevation of the relationship to a strategic level is the defining development of Modi's visit.
Modi joins select diplomatic tradition as Luxon greets him at Auckland airport
By greeting Modi himself, Luxon placed the Indian leader alongside figures such as Chinese president Xi Jinping.
Modi arrives in Auckland today. But this won’t be his first time in New Zealand
The Indian Association Manukau hosted Modi in Papatoetoe when he came to Auckland in 2001.
Luxon says New Zealand needs India in a ‘power-based’ world, after China’s missile test
“We need to work with our like-minded friends to build a lattice of relationships,” the prime minister says.
Kiwi Indians are 5.8% of population, new report puts their economic impact at 8.6% of GDP
Kiwi-Indian economic activity contributed $37.3 billion to New Zealand in the year to March 2025, according to the findings.
Modi's Australia visit shows how India’s place in the region has changed
India and Australia have moved from uneasy partners to strategic allies, but shifting regional dynamics will test what comes next.
Indian migrant rejected by NZ job market is now building a $100m steel plant in Waikato
Punjab-born Vipan Garg struggled to find work as a CA after moving to New Zealand. He reinvented himself.
Opinion: Luxon standing beside Modi at Spark Arena matters more than critics think
World leaders have repeatedly used Modi’s large diaspora gatherings as a potent diplomatic tool.
India’s top diplomat rejects Peters’ claim New Delhi was misled over FTA
Muanpuii Saiawi's comments are the sharpest indication yet how the foreign minister's claims are going down in India.
Fears NZ's new skilled residence pathways could shut out many Indian workers
New Zealand is opening new routes to residence. But occupations popular with Indian migrants are behind tougher barriers.
Modi's Auckland visit expected to put NZ know-how behind India’s Olympic dream
“He (Modi) is really interested in sport because they want to host the Olympics ultimately in 2036, and the Commonwealth Games," says prime minister Luxon.
'Appalled': Race commissioner calls on politicos to avoid hateful speech this election
"I think that irrespective of where the law sits that's not something that we should accept in New Zealand," says Melissa Derby.
Kia Ora Modi: Luxon to depart from official programme to attend Auckland community event
“Because actually people-to-people ties is one of the three big legs of this relationship," says the prime minister.
Luxon says India will face different FTA immigration settings, but denies discrimination
"It’s very normal that the minister of immigration imposes bespoke conditions on any FTA visas."
One night in Auckland: Where Modi's whirlwind NZ visit ranks among his shortest trips
Modi has repeatedly compressed substantive bilateral diplomacy into a single day.
Election'26: NZ First's pitch to strip residents of voting rights was rejected 40 years ago
In 1986, the Royal Commission on the Electoral System had already examined the idea Winston Peters is proposing now.
Modi in Auckland: Sold-out Spark Arena community reception to run over four hours
The organisers say the event has reached a “full house” following an “overwhelming response”
National, ACT say no need to reform hate speech laws, Greens 'committed'
Labour says it is developing and refining its ethnic and social cohesion policies.
‘Don’t let Modi know?’ Peters says honesty with India at stake over FTA visa moves
“This is about a trade deal and inter-country relations. That’s my responsibility,” he said.
Broadcaster who called former governor-general a ‘fat Indian’ named NZ First candidate
"...it’s like Anand discovered the buffet table at 20 and he’s never really left it," Michael Laws said in 2010.
Migrants are told to be grateful. New research asks shouldn't NZ be grateful too?
"We argue gratitude should be reciprocal, acknowledging the interdependency between migrants and the state."
Migrant child with Down syndrome fails health test, but tribunal says he needs NZ's care
The boy's mother said seeking healthcare in Sri Lanka had become a source of humiliation.
Why India is emerging as a premier global hub for medical tourism
India offers a powerful combination of internationally-recognised hospitals, highly-trained doctors and advanced medical technology.
Modi in New Zealand: Full details of Auckland-only itinerary confirmed
The Indian prime minister's maiden visit is more like a compressed diplomatic sprint than a wider New Zealand tour.
India-trained doctors lead Asian cohort seeking to plug New Zealand’s GP shortage
A special pathway created last year allows 100 overseas-trained doctors to practice in New Zealand.
Opinion: Government agrees it's risking India ties but can’t agree who is to blame
The surprise is not that Peters has made theatre out of the India deal. It's how far he has taken it.
Destiny Church's Brian Tamaki says police have revoked his gun licence, seized firearms
"I think this is all got to do with simply trying to defend my country."
Explainer: Who are the Opportunity Party and what are their policies?
Of the 14 policy sections on the party's website, four include "tax reset", "abundant energy", 'healthy oceans" and "citizens' voice".
ACT Party candidate goes to police over online abuse, racist slur after Tamaki post
Singh said he had invited the Destiny Church leader to have a peaceful conversation in a comment to Tamaki's post on him out of respect.
Election 2026: Luxon, Seymour warn Winston Peters may not stay with the right
The New Zealand First leader is trying hard to assure voters his party “won’t do a deal with Labour”.
Analysis: The growing significance of Asia to New Zealand
Sixty percent of the respondents said that they felt increasingly connected to Asian cultures in their daily life.
ACT to Greens: Concern grows that India FTA rhetoric is fuelling anti-Indian sentiment
The Greens oppose the NZ-India FTA, while ACT supports it. But they seem to agree on one thing.
Burden of 'thin liberalism': What Hipkins and Labour can learn from Starmer’s downfall
In trying to appeal to everyone, the party could struggle to articulate a clear sense of what it stands for.
MPs consider petition to review racial intimidation laws after anti-migrant rhetoric
The petition is also asking Parliament to condemn racial intimidation against Indian, South Asian, Chinese and other Asian communities.
National "covertly" drawing up new policies targeting Indian migrants, Peters claims
New Zealand First's leader is suggesting National has cold feet over the labour mobility provisions in the India free trade agreement.
‘For all its faults...’: Immigration tribunal says India ain't lawless, rejects refugee claim
“It is an assertion which is regularly made to the tribunal in cases involving people professing a fear of the BJP..."
Opportunity Party wants to replace Winston Peters as kingmaker this election
"I believe they stand for division and they use division to get votes, whereas we want to actually find common ground..."
NZ-India FTA will not open floodgates to migration, Parliament report concludes
The commitments New Zealand has made to India are “relatively narrow” and future governments retain rights to manage immigration settings, a select committee report has found.
Election 2026: Businessman Himanshu Parmar named ACT's Waikato candidate
For ACT, his selection brings a candidate whose business background aligns closely with the party’s focus on enterprise and economic growth.
High migration creates more jobs. New Reserve Bank paper explains the paradox
The findings cut against the common political intuition that immigration is a competition story.
Hockey NZ eyes bilateral series with India to mark 100 years of sporting ties
The Indian men's cricket team is already set to embark on its biggest-ever bilateral tour to New Zealand this year.
Christianity in India: A crash course for the uninitiated, but (hopefully) still curious
Over the centuries, India has welcomed a wide range of Christian traditions, including Pentecostal and many others.
"For God's sake": Luxon on Tamaki's call for purging New Zealand of Indians
"Our ethnic communities have come to this country, have left everything behind, their language, their family, their communities."
Luxon pitches Muralidhar as National’s voice for "new generation of business talent"
National is framing the tech VC not just as an Indian-origin candidate, but rather a business candidate.
Immigration politics is hardening but NZ needs migrants more than ever, warns sociologist
While New Zealand is not ageing as quickly as some countries, the direction of travel is clear, says professor Paul Spoonley.
India women's hockey team to face NZ in Nations Cup final in Auckland, Olympics in sight
A win would earn India promotion back to the Women’s FIH Pro League for the 2026-27 season.
Modi event in Auckland: Public registrations now open. Here's how to register
The total quota available in the general category has yet to be finalized.
'Concerning': Police step in after Tamaki calls for purging Indians over Modi visit
“We are actively monitoring the situation and will continue to engage with community leaders to understand and respond to any concerns.”
"Any right thinking person...": Police minister doubles down on Naidoo attack
Naidoo, ranked at number 13 on Labour's list, is on leave from his role as an ethnic, iwi and communities relationships manager for police.
Tamaki calls for purging New Zealand of Hindus, Sikhs and Muslims over Modi visit
The self-styled Christian cleric is also calling for a protest in Auckland to coincide with the Indian prime minister's visit.
INZ will no longer judge their performance by whether migrants feel NZ is home
MBIE cannot fully control whether migrants feel at home, argue officials, so why measure it?
Do MPs really have it good? How their pay, perks compare with corporate bigwigs
Prime minister Christopher Luxon earned about $4 million a year as leader at Air New Zealand.
ACT candidate offers 'bridge of love' after Tamaki singles him out in anti-migrant post
"I think Brian Tamaki may actually start liking me if he ever had a good discussion with me on the topic of God."
Opinion: Labour’s $20 public transport promise begs a simple question. Care to answer?
The issue isn’t whether public transport is good or bad. The real issue is priorities.
First Kiwi-Indian set to play for All Whites at FIFA World Cup
The All Whites kick off their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign against Iran today at 1pm.
NZ First candidate alludes to Labour’s Naidoo in post about merit over ethnicity
In political debates, critics of diversity often suggest someone was chosen because of identity rather than ability.
New work rights under FTA a key marketing tool in India, says Education NZ
"Ongoing value to New Zealand and to our own economy will be very enhanced by that."
Extended work rights under FTA a key marketing tool in India, says Education NZ
The agency tasked with marketing New Zealand's education sector overseas is upbeat about the trade deal.
'Exports increasing after announcement': Agri leaders at Fieldays hail India FTA
"It is a really important market for us - among our top five markets - so to get tariff concessions is a great outcome."
The ‘move on’ orders bill and its many legal quirks. Will it make cities any safer?
It might be asked whether the Government is genuinely trying to “fix the basics”, or is simply playing politics.
Khandallah to Bombay Hills: The New Zealand names of Indian origin
The capital city of Wellington features three suburbs with strong ties to India – Khandallah, Berhampore and Broadmeadows.
‘Mark is scared’: Labour MP says Mitchell targeting Naidoo for political reasons
The police minister is scared National’s tough on crime rhetoric will get taken to pieces, says Willie Jackson.
India's standing is rising in New Zealand. So are divisions over it, finds new report
"New Zealanders' trust in India is becoming more polarised," the report notes.
Opinion: Racial hate should concern everyone, not just Indians and migrants
Prejudice becomes dangerous when influential people normalise it for political gain.
Fifa 2026: How migration became a key to World Cup success
Nearly a quarter of the 1,248 players in 2026 Fifa World Cup weren't born in the country they'll represent.
Election 2026: Labour set to send two Indian MPs. National playing catch-up
National is fielding their biggest contingent of Indian-origin candidates. Most are in Labour strongholds.
Labour puts debutant Rakesh Naidoo ahead of Priyanca Radhakrishnan in MP race
Superintendent Rakesh Naidoo – the Ethnic, Iwi and Communities Relationships Manager for police – has been almost guaranteed a seat at 13th.
Singapore is facing anti-Indian hate, like New Zealand. But it’s responding differently
The city-state has ordered the removal of social media posts scaremongering about Indian migration.
Long read: Bhana Brothers and the making of a Kiwi-Indian dynasty
Rina Patel looks back at her grandparents' incredible journey in a bid to fill in the missing pieces of her family's past.
Brian Tamaki spreads misinformation about India in anti-Modi protest call
The Indian prime minister is expected to visit in the second week of July, though the exact date has yet to be announced.
Kiwi or not? What happens when countries start to lose their sense of identity
Declining trust in government and growing societal unrest about high immigration are testing New Zealand.
Hindus not at risk in India: No asylum for man claiming persecution in Tamil Nadu
The ground reality in India doesn't support this kind of a persecution claim, New Zealand's immigration tribunal has ruled.
India vs NZ: Ish Sodhi isn't looking forward to playing against Sooryavanshi
India cricket’s next superstar Vaibhav Sooryavanshi could light up NZ summer.
India's 2026 cricket tour of New Zealand announced in big sports diplomacy push
The tour will feature five T20 internationals, five one-day internationals and two Test matches
National wants to scrap sexual offender character references. Should NZ go further?
Overseas experience suggests New Zealand could go much further in reforming its sentencing system.
Narendra Modi in Auckland: How to attend community gala, what we know so far
Sources say at least 120 community organisations have informally indicated they intend to register for tickets.
India FTA payoff: Apple, pear growers see $25m boost as industries count gains
Industry associations are throwing their weight behind the deal as Parliament prepares to enforce the agreement.
Immigration, Te Tiriti, climate: The reason we can't seem to agree on anything
You cannot win a debate with someone whose beliefs about what humans are differ from yours.
Budget 2026: Willis promises sunshine after rain, counts small wins in thrift budget
The government’s central pitch is restraint can return its books to surplus earlier than expected.
Indian values culturally incompatible with Kiwis, ex-NZer of the Year finalist tells MPs
Dr Marewa Glover also has an idea exactly how many Indian and Chinese migrants can New Zealand accommodate without a problem.
India for McClay, Indri for Winston: With love from New Delhi
The gifts our two ministers received from India last year are a study in contrast.
Willis takes on election year budget having ticked just one of three fiscal promises
By National’s own standards, the government has failed on key fiscal policies this term.
Couple who couldn't prove they are gay to be deported to India
The pair struggled to provide historical evidence of their relationship in India.
New English rule for overseas cooks, handymen makes sense. The timing doesn't
For a change affecting such a large part of the AEWV system, six days feels more like an emergency notice.
India is a ‘country of countries’: NZ business needs a regional strategy for FTA
India’s complex economy requires a business strategy for each of its 36 states and union territories.
India FTA won't take up jobs, says top trade union, as Winston doubles down on migration
Local jobs and social cohesion have become a sticking point in an election year.
The 'should' voter: What Labour should be arguing. And why they won't
The problems have a genuine answer, and each answer costs Labour a piece of their coalition.
Blood or belief? What actually makes you a Kiwi. And what doesn't
Some parties are most committed to the view that some New Zealanders carry greater rights by virtue of ancestry.
Bill to define woman won't solve the problem NZ First wants to, finds Attorney-General
Except for the election-year rhetoric, the proposed legislation seems to be achieving nothing.
'Moral panic': Top sociologist surprised ACT is sounding like NZ First on migrants
“As a libertarian party, they have tended to be very pro immigration."
Selfie: At an Auckland pool, I realised how quickly prejudice can distort what we see
If an Indian teenager had behaved the exact same way, I probably wouldn't even have noticed it.
Foreign‑trained doctors sustain NZ’s health system. We weren’t always so welcoming
In 2026, New Zealand finds itself needing foreign-trained doctors to hold its health system together.
Anti-Indian haka: Pounamu of peace offered at Waikato reconciliation hui
Former Te Pati Maori president Che Wilson reinforced "commitment to open engagement and mutual respect”.
Trespass bill will tackle shoplifters who ‘hide their hands’, but needs fixes, MPs told
Woolworths group has argued the bill strikes a more balanced approach than expanding citizen’s arrest powers.
Bashing immigrants from developing countries is a bipartisan pastime
"Labour is not the liberal guardian of immigration that some think."
Migrants aren't just cheap labour: Former NZ First minister takes on Luxon
"We are exceptionally reliant upon highly skilled migrants because they are highly skilled."
Case files: Declined twice, then INZ got it wrong again. How Ayesha got her visa
A blow-by-blow account of what can go wrong if you want to bring your spouse to New Zealand.
NZ’s fees‑free scheme was an expensive way to achieve little, finds study
The scheme reduced future debt, but for many it didn’t remove a pressing cash barrier to enrolling.
MPs warned immigration changes could heighten insecurity among migrants
"The blanket application of these amendments could result in disproportionate outcomes."
Luxon joins the list of migrant skeptics after Winston, Seymour show the way
The prime minister says migration and social cohesion are issues of national security.
Sikh boy from Hastings who wants you to look within wins race unity speech awards
The teenager from North Island took home three awards in the competition designed to explore race relations in New Zealand.
Diwali in New Zealand could change forever as MPs present new report
The Parliament has 60 days to take a call on a landmark recommendation to ban private use of fireworks.
Can a citizenship test really measure what it means to be a New Zealander?
The risk is that it becomes an exercise in selective historical amnesia at the expense of an honest profile of the country.
'Step outside': Rotorua cafe to allow only te reo Maori, no English please
The intention is not exclusion, but immersion by requiring te reo Maori as the default language of exchange, say its founders.
Indian-origin boy who left Fiji after coup is Auckland high court's new associate judge
Legal observers say the move reflects the judiciary’s increasing need for judges with deep commercial expertise.
Man with drink-driving past won't be deported as wife is "highly vulnerable"
The woman had been “crying each day for a week” and was hyperventilating, the immigration tribunal heard.
NZ‑India FTA: Were early fears about immigration, investment justified?
The hyperbole notwithstanding, what does the text of the agreement tell us about the likely economic impact?
Indus Water Treaty: How India’s goodwill was codified into concession
The treaty imposes a series of specific design and operational restrictions on India's use of the western rivers.
Fine Print: A quick guide to how New Zealand taxes your cryptocurrency
"Forgetting” to report your crypto gains is no longer an option.
Indian-origin man living at Malaysia airport after New Zealand, India deny entry
A source confirmed the man doesn't officially hold a passport for either country.
Indians top list of Kiwis applying for Parent Boost visa, but uptake lukewarm
A much-anticipated long-term parent visa has yet to trigger the rush of applications that was predicted.
A photo of 2 Indians at an Auckland cafe has sent police, ministers in a tangle
“I’m not a racist...the problem I have is with what Christopher Luxon is doing."
'No bathroom' in Taj Mahal joke by TVNZ host didn't denigrate India, BSA rules
TVNZ says the comments referred to traveller’s diarrhoea, which is a known travel health risk in some countries.
Refresher for migrants in Kiwi values "not a bad thing": Luxon on citizenship test
The test will provide "positive assurance" that migrants understand equal rights for women and free speech, the prime minister says.
New Zealand to start testing migrants for responsibility, privileges before citizenship
Topics are expected to include the Bill of Rights Act, human rights and democratic principles among others.
The geopolitical math driving India's trade deals with New Zealand, rest of the world
Economic systems can absorb shocks when they are temporary and legible. What they struggle with is ambiguity.
Modi expands footprint as India elections reshape power across key states
For New Zealand readers, this matters more than it might first appear.
Is New Zealand sliding toward a US‑style approach to immigration and asylum?
"The US experience illustrates how quickly a protection framework can change."
Seymour links Papatoetoe poll fraud with migrant corruption, winners say divisive
"More and more settlers are challenging the democratic values that the societies they move to were built on," says ACT leader.
Daily migrant tax, welfare curbs in ACT’s election plan to fix immigration
"Something doesn't quite feel right with immigration," says leader David Seymour.
Racist haka: Organisers apologize to Indian diaspora, reconciliation hui planned
The haka organisers have proposed a hui with the Indian diaspora in New Zealand for reconciliation.
India-NZ FTA: What it changes for overseas students. And what it doesn't
The trade deal is a positive step, but not a dramatic new opening from an immigration perspective.
"Shame on you, Shane Jones": Willis escalates 'butter chicken tsunami' row
“It offended me...it has offended New Zealanders of Indian descent up and down this country."
Why the Shane Joneses of the world shouldn't matter
The Indian diaspora in New Zealand knows something Jones doesn't.
Erica Stanford won't have migrant bus drivers whose English is not good enough
The government has a lower standard for wealthy migrants compared to bus drivers, says a Green MP.
India-NZ FTA: No-nonsense analysis of why trade alone isn't the endgame
"For New Zealand, the lesson is that patience with India can eventually yield scale."
India, New Zealand sign FTA: 10 big wins for exporters
The free trade agreement is expected to come into force before the November 2026 elections.
Racist haka against Indians was worse than first thought
"Return to your own home, to vast land, to great poverty, to many problems."
Faking news: Mayor Brown lauded for efficiency after racist "joke"
“In a city like Auckland, time is limited," says one insider close to the mayor.
Fine Print: The '183-day' myth and why your global income is still taxable in NZ
If NZ feels like your real home, you may be treated as a tax resident.
Labour will support India-NZ FTA, confirms Hipkins, clearing way for trade deal
"New Zealand businesses need to go into this with their eyes wide open," the Labour leader has warned.
'Bloody curry-eating Indians': Haka aimed at MP Parmjeet Parmar raises racial heat
Experts noted the use of a derogatory phrase and gestures associated with Indian cultural practices.
McClay, Peters square off as India-NZ FTA showdown hits Parliament for first time
The trade deal's debut in Parliament didn't disappoint. No prizes for guessing the showstopper.
Otara-Papatoetoe leaders just wasted a second chance at social cohesion
Twice now, the Otara-Papatoetoe Local Board has been handed a moment that required restraint.
Faking news: Butter chicken tsunami is coming. Shane Jones will have naan of it.
“No one could say exactly when it happened. Only that it arrived on time.”
Winston & Co hang in the air as Papatoetoe anti-Indian graffiti raises racial heat
"When politicians say things that are discriminatory or hateful...it should be called out."
Case files: How to get residency when you don't qualify for it
A man convicted twice of drink driving and once of assault has been granted ministerial amnesty for New Zealand residency
Papatoetoe anti-Indian graffiti: 61-year-old accused gets name suppression from court
Police say the man, a local, has been charged with offensive behaviour and wilful damage.
$7,500 penalty puts social media group admins on notice in landmark Privacy Act ruling
In a first for New Zealand, a social media group has been found liable under the privacy law.
Fine Print: Overseas mutual funds and the tax you pay even when you earn nothing
If you are a New Zealand tax resident, you are required to pay tax on your worldwide income.
Sikh man in Papakura takes on Brian Tamaki's wife for smear campaign over kirpan
The ceremonial dagger is well accepted by the New Zealand police as a reasonably safe item of faith.
'Kill All Indian' message outside Papatoetoe school spooks residents
Police say they have launched an inquiry and informed the school authorities.
'Sunny Kaushal effect' and the mollycoddling of retailers in new trespass law
A new bill that empowers retailers to trespass shoplifters more effectively is in Parliament.
Indian-origin candidates, and democracy, took a hit in Papatoetoe election re-run
What the re-run for the Otara Papatoteoe Local Board tells us about fraud and democracy.
Papatoetoe election results: Indian candidates take 3 out of 4 seats in re-run
A re-do of last year's election has thrown up a mixed result for the past winners.
India is no Ukraine: Sikh man seeking asylum in New Zealand told to return home
India is doing a good enough job of protecting its civilians at the border, a tribunal has ruled.
Case files: Indian driver nearly deported after advisor uploads unrelated document
How a single, unnecessary document created a mountain of stress and thousands of dollars in legal fees.
Out Loud: Migrant in me wants to believe David Seymour. But I can't
The story the ACT Party leader is telling is, frankly, quite appealing. But it can be intellectually thin.
New Zealand to sign India FTA this month, New Delhi confirms
Trade minister Todd McClay is preparing to fly to India in a few weeks to seal the deal.
What life is really like for Indian IT workers serving global firms
What does working from home actually look like for the five million Indian IT professionals?
Out Loud: Migrants powering New Zealand, says (yet) another study. But who cares?
Migration is a two-way street where no one side is a benefactor. Our politicians seem to forget that.
Luxon, Hipkins deep in untested waters over India deal as Modi's visit looms
The National government can sign the NZ-India FTA. It won't be any good without Labour's support.
Out Loud: Tightening deportation rules and the limits of being a migrant
The government is reminding migrant residents about the bond of good behaviour they've signed.
Modi preparing for maiden visit to New Zealand, alongside trip to Australia in July
New Zealand has confirmed a "substantial list of deliverables" for Modi's visit, the Indian government says.
Case files: The wedding trip to India that ended his New Zealand life
The officer asked him questions about his job interview from two years earlier. He could not remember every detail.
Inside Erica Stanford's bid to stop people gaming New Zealand's asylum system
The government suspects not all those seeking asylum are really under threat of persecution.
NZ firms want India but they aren't sure how to do India, finds FTA survey
The promise of an India FTA is driving business interest. The challenge now is whether firms know how to use it.
The pianist high commissioner: India’s new NZ envoy beyond diplomacy
A 2007 interview offers a rare early glimpse of Muanpuii Saiawi, from civil service preparation to piano exams.
More overstayers reported from Pukekohe Holi event, INZ "prioritising contact"
Most of the travelling group from India are now overstayers in New Zealand.
Elections 2026: Why Kharag Singh’s nomination from Takanini matters for Indians in Labour
Where National has been unsuccessfully fielding Indian candidates, Labour has demonstrated a more targeted approach.
Return of the oil shock: lessons from a crisis New Zealand has seen before
When oil prices soared in the 1970s, New Zealand's response wasn't up to the mark.
Khalistan, asylum and bad faith: What NZ's new immigration bill really changes
Aggressively targeting perceived abuse of asylum pathways risks excluding those who are genuinely in need of protection.
Heartbroken Sikh man who found Islam at an Auckland market gets asylum
The refugee tribunal referred to reports from India about “honour killings” over religious conversion.
'Moment of integrity': Calls for Indian diaspora to pitch in after Holi overstayers fiasco
"We are counting on our people to report overstayers like these," New Zealand Indian Central Association has said in a statement.
Papatoetoe elections: Psst...elephant in the room no one wants to talk about
Even as South Asian representation has increased in Otara-Papatoetoe, leadership has largely remained the preserve of Pasifika leaders.
New Zealand cuts visa fees for Pacific visitors. Other migrants are wondering why
When visa costs fall elsewhere while remaining high for others, migrants inevitably notice.
Opinion: New Zealand wants migrant labour, not migrants. That's not done
If New Zealand continues to depend on migrant workers, it must recognise them as future members of the society.
Holi overstayers update: Delhi organiser blames "fraudulent agent", fuels visa scam doubts
CD Foundation's response discloses a key new detail about how the delegation may have been assembled.
Out Loud: Parliament debated our grim fiscal outlook. How did race enter the conversation?
The exchange revealed something deeper about the way New Zealand’s political conversation can sound to migrants.
Kiwi-Indian robbed thrice in 10 months tells parliament committee why retailers need more powers
The Justice Select Committee has heard why – or why not – should citizens be allowed powers to arrest offenders.
Opinion: The COVID inquiry settles one debate. But opens another
Royal commissions examine how decisions were made, not necessarily the competence of the people making them.
Holi overstayers: A concert in Pukekohe, consulate's letter and a Delhi connection
As many as 10 people travelling were described as folk dancers, none turned up at the event.
NZ visa row: Shibani Kashyap says "no clue others travelled in my name"
"Anybody would understand that carrying a whole team abroad is not easy. The organisers usually arrange local performers."
Bishop's impromptu invite to Dhoni after starstruck encounter with Indian cricket legend
Dhoni, the minister says, spoke warmly about New Zealand and his previous visits to the country.
T20 World Cup: Black Caps have lost to India. But they are winning
Even in their loss to the South Asian giant, Black Caps have a lot to cheer about.
INZ launches probe after several visitors from Shibani Kashyap's Holi group become overstayers
The agency says only four of those still in the country currently hold valid visitor visas.
Analysis: Iran war will complicate India’s Middle East strategy. Again
Iraq, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait are among India’s most important energy partners.
Bishop to watch Ind-NZ T20 final in Ahmedabad as he leads mega sports delegation to India
As part of New Zealand's sports diplomacy push, the minister is also expected to meet Indian counterpart Mansukh Mandaviya.
Papatoetoe poll fraud: High Court says it has no jurisdiction, dismisses "immigrant corruption"
"The new election will reflect the will of the electorate," Justice Jane Anderson said, while declining to review a lower court inquiry.
Skilled migrant visa changes: Median wage fix and a rare dose of pragmatism by INZ
Changes announced today to the Skilled Migrant Category visa are a mix of wins and losses, but provide migrants with a clearer roadmap.
Labour considering English test relief for migrant truck, bus drivers in election manifesto
"One of the options would be a carve-out for this occupational group," says Labour's immigration spokesperson Phil Twyford.
Erica Stanford wants to flush out overstayers. Political thinkers have long warned about this playbook
Governments frequently justify expansions of state power by emphasising perceived threats.
Labour‑National standoff aside, the Ind‑NZ trade deal is a blueprint for real growth
The deal is built on strategic realism, where both sides balance long-term economic gains while safeguarding their national interests.
It's official. Kiwi-Indians are copping most hate, what will our politicians do about it?
In Christchurch, New Zealand has already seen what harm unchecked build-up of hate and social tensions can unleash.
"Dismal": Auckland restaurateur stuck in Dubai says government has left Kiwis in Middle East to fend for themselves
Chand Sahrawat and husband Sid are hoping to fly out to India today from a nondescript airport east of Dubai.
New Zealand offers Bollywood star Sanjay Dutt visa reprieve after US, UK say no
“We were aware of character issues, and these were balanced in the overall assessment of the application," says INZ.
"You passed us": Auckland mayor brings up Singh and Patel surnames, Winston wades in
"So it was us, Smith, Singh and Patel and the Browns at the top."
Nensi Patel shines with maiden Player of the Match as New Zealand crush Zimbabwe to win series
"So important for someone to come in and make an immediate sort of impact," a commentator said about Patel's performance.
How racism united Indian migrants in New Zealand a century ago
The White New Zealand League once wanted to preserve New Zealand's "racial purity".
"Shameful": Labour isn't happy with Luxon's handling of Peters' tirade against ethnic Kiwis
"Divisive comments which target our ethnic communities have no place in New Zealand."
Nensi Patel makes history as first Indian-born White Ferns
"Making them proud, making my family back in India proud as well. So I think it's a big moment.”
New road rule to require extra attention when passing cyclists
Government proposes new transport rules.
Hawke’s Bay to Mumbai: The New Zealand apple that sold out in a day
"The Rouge variety of apple ticks all the boxes for the Indian palate – vibrant crimson skin, satisfying crunch and high sweetness level."
Opinion: Erica Stanford’s overstayer crackdown puts civil liberties of migrants at stake
The law change makes a distinction between the civil rights New Zealand residents enjoy based on their ethnicity, their language, or their choice of occupation.
Opinion: Move-on powers for police aren't a civil liberties apocalypse
The real test of this policy will be not how often it is used, but how fairly it is applied.
Two Kiwi-Indian politicians, dogs and a court drama in Auckland
Dog-parent MP Priyanca Radhakrishnan bares teeth at leash rule by local board headed by Ella Kumar.
Labour's support for India-NZ FTA getting closer, says trade minister McClay
The deal has been negotiated but it can become operational only after it is ratified by Parliament.
6 indictments in 2 weeks: Auckland immigration adviser caught in cash for visa scam
A tribunal found the adviser took money in return for a job at her husband's company.
FTA: India seems to know where and how US$20-bn investment will flow from NZ
India's minister Piyush Goyal has indicated New Delhi wants tangible projects in areas of manufacture, infrastructure and sports among other.
Indian teenager dies repairing car at Auckland home, coroner warns of risks
The police photos from the scene showed the bumper had buckled under the weight of the car and collapsed on Patel.
Tech VC becomes National's 1st Indian-origin MP candidate from a true blue seat
Mahesh Muralidhar will contest from Tamaki in Auckland, an electorate that voted former prime minister Robert Muldoon to power for a record 31 years.
MishMash: A migrant stuck in casual, at work and in love
‘MishMash: Real Stories, Unreal Migrants’ is a fictional series inspired by the messy, funny, and sometimes brutal realities of Indians starting over in New Zealand.
Retail crime: Citizens' arrest powers on the line after advisory group split
Retail NZ says the government wasn't briefed properly on risks, Sunny Kaushal calls out "misinformation".
Papatoetoe polls: Ex-winners tell HC their reputation is at stake, question standard of proof in voiding election
The candidates of the Papatoetoe-Otara Action Team have argued a court order annulling their victory relied on lavish statistical extrapolation and assumed that an increase in voter turnout indicated fraud.
India-NZ FTA: Hipkins sets out three conditions for supporting the deal
The Labour leader argues Luxon’s drive to conclude the negotiations quickly has left serious questions unresolved.
India-NZ FTA: Labour puts forward three conditions for supporting the deal
Labour leader Chris Hipkins is keeping the government guessing on whether his party will cast the deciding vote for the India–New Zealand free trade agreement (FTA), laying down on Sunday three conditions and accusing Prime Minister Christopher Luxon of mishandling the negotiations.
India-NZ FTA: Seymour warns of ‘anti-Indian sentiment’ as misinformation spreads
"We have had a period...where there's been a lot of people saying a lot of things about India," says the deputy prime minister.
Explainer: The politics behind removing te reo Maori from school lunch scheme name
It is helpful to see the move as neither a trivial branding update nor an existential crisis. Still, it does matter a lot.
Explainer: What are Maori electorates and why Winston Peters wants them gone
To understand why this is politically significant, it helps to understand what Maori electorates are and why they exist.
Analysis: EU-India agreement is huge, shows changing role of trade in a fractured world order
The agreement offers a clear example that the era of free trade is not over, writes international trade policy expert Sangeeta Khorana.
Analysis: India FTA projected to boost New Zealand's annual export growth by 30%
A deeper analysis of the numbers being projected indicates the deal makes economic sense, but can we expect miracles overnight?
'Been good': Goldsmith says retail crime advisory group will wrap up early
Chair Sunny Kaushal says he is happy with the outcomes the advisory group has achieved in a short span.
Out loud: Who speaks for the quarter of New Zealand that is neither Pakeha nor Maori?
Ananish Chaudhuri, Professor of Economics at University of Auckland, wonders who is speaking up for migrants in New Zealand.
'Taken up this issue': India lodges concern over Sikh procession disruptions in NZ
New Delhi says Wellington has assured full cooperation and support to ensure the safety and continuation of religious events.
Analysis: India FTA could well be the best news possible for NZ dairy
Even United States and European Union have failed to extract meaningful dairy concessions from India.
Out Loud: Migrants must understand Te Tiriti, but they need a long rope
Te Tiriti demands respect but it also demands room to learn. If curiosity is met with judgment or cancellation, we guarantee silence.
Tantalizing ingredients: The Indian-owned dairy in New Zealand
Professor Edwina Pio, New Zealand’s first professor of diversity, traces the history of the Indian-owned dairy shop in New Zealand. This was originally published in February 20, 2020.
The India-US India deal, and what it quietly changes
The United States has eased tariffs on Indian exports. Yet the deal’s timing and terms hint at something more cautious and calculated than a simple trade reset.
India in spotlight as New Zealand puts its sports diplomacy in action
Nowhere is the strategy’s intent clearer than in its focus on India.
Election 2026: How not to read the flurry of opinion polls
Based solely on polls, no one could have predicted the past three elections this early in the year they were held.
A stitch in time: Should government rein in excessive school uniform fees?
From an ethical standpoint, boards should ensure that school uniforms don’t create an undue cost barrier to education.
What the ‘mother of all deals’ between India and the EU means for global trade
What have both sides agreed to and why does it matter so much for global trade?
NZ First says its winning the war on "woke" diversity in government
The party has been campaigning against what it describes as "woke" hiring practices and diversity in government jobs.
Out Loud: Finding the migrant's place in Te Tiriti, one errand at a time
Treaty literacy should empower migrants to interpret responsibilities, not merely comply with someone else’s instructions.
Modern slavery bill: First World feels vs Third World realities
Moral clarity is easy when your education is secure, food supply guaranteed, and failure doesn’t ripple through an entire family.
We heard Tamaki's Victoria Park speech so you don’t have to. 10 takeaways
Brian Tamaki told his audience what he feels New Zealand is getting wrong, and who is to blame.
Out Loud: Why an Indian placed his bet on New Zealand
The future of this country depends on how well we listen to people who have chosen it deliberately, not casually.
India-NZ FTA: Winston is right and wrong in his immigration anxiety
The public discourse over the deal is now snowballing into a controversy, with migration being the key driver of much of the skepticism.
Tale of two FTAs: What India flaunts, but New Zealand downplays
Delhi has played up movement of people as a big win in the deal, but New Zealand has been coy about it.
Erica Stanford: An immigration masterclass in restoration or a narrow economic pivot?
Stanford’s first term has been a relentless, high-velocity exercise in tidying up. What can migrants make of it?
India-NZ FTA: Hipkins seems all in, but not quite
The Labour leader seems supportive of the deal but not without caveats.
Shane Jones is gaslighting on Indian migration. It's amoral, and a social risk
When gaslighting targets a specific ethnic group, it edges into risky territory.
Retail crime: Advisory group member resigns over "unpleasant" work environment, doesn't offer specifics
The falling out, it appears, is a direct clash between Kaushal and Young more than anything else.
India absent as Donald Trump in Davos unveils ‘Board of Peace’ for Gaza
India was among some 60 countries that received invitations last week from Trump to join the Board of Peace.
Brazil President to visit India soon: Modi after speaking to Lula amid US tariff tension
Modi said close cooperation between India and Brazil is vital for advancing the shared interests of the Global South.
Retail crime: Did Sunny Kaushal really need to work so much?
Decoding the shock and awe around the government's retail crime advisory group and its chair.
Selfie: The things we bring without knowing
Migration isn’t a clean swap where you exchange old habits for new ones. Every now and then, I catch myself doing something I moved here to escape.
India could withdraw diplomats' families from Bangladesh, say sources
Ties between the South Asian neighbours soured after former Bangladesh leader Sheikh Hasina fled to India in 2024.
No longer 'emerging' economy, India tells the world at Davos
"India is becoming essential to the global economic order," says Indian minister.
Astronaut Sunita Williams retires after 27 years at NASA: A look at her achievements
60-year-old Williams, a former Navy captain, spent more than 27 years at NASA, logging 608 days in space over three station missions.
‘Settled 8 wars, including India-Pakistan’: Donald Trump at Davos
The US President made the remark in an address at World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.
Indian tourists allege racism at Thailand beach club, management responds
Yona Beach Club has denied the allegations of racism, saying that its entry rules were part of a crowd management strategy.
‘We are going to have a good deal’: Trump calls PM Modi ‘fantastic leader’ at Davos
Donald Trump made the remark on the sidelines of his address at the World Economic Forum in Davos.
Out Loud: Expecting migrants to assimilate can't be good for New Zealand
Integration works best when a country allows migrants to add to it, not subtract from themselves.
Out Loud: The secret resilience that drives the Indian migrant
To outsiders, the outcome looks like advantage. What is rarely seen is the cost.
Avoid all non-essential travel to Israel: India amid Iran tensions
The advisory comes as protests continue to escalate across Iran, with clashes between reported with security forces.
Trump tariffs and warming India-China ties have silenced the Quad partnership, for now
New Delhi is more concerned about how to position itself amid the great power competition between China and the US.
European Council, European Commission presidents to talk security, defence with Modi
The two presidents will also take part as guests of honour at India’s 77th Republic Day Parade on January 26.
India offering decisive solutions to global challenges: Lok Sabha Speaker
Maintaining dignity, credibility and prestige of parliamentary institutions in the eyes of the people is paramount priority, Birla says.
India-Israel sign joint declaration to strengthen collaboration in fisheries and aquaculture
The key areas of collaboration include joint research and development in advanced aquaculture technologies.
India-NZ FTA: Of sleeping ministers and a “crazy” Kiwi
The real trade negotiations between India and New Zealand took place in odd pockets of the world.
Out Loud: The day Te Tiriti got the Indian guy in the room
How long do we have to build lives, work double shifts, buy homes and raise children before New Zealand admits we are no longer guests?
Jaishankar, Rubio talk India-US trade
The two sides have agreed to finalise the first tranche of the agreement by the fall of 2025.
India tells the world its plan as chair of Brics 2026
Brics must work for “reformed multilateralism” at a time when the world community is dealing with multiple complex challenges
Selfie: The potluck politics spicing up diaspora get-togethers
There's more to that dish you bring to the family gathering. You have been warned.
Out Loud: The quiet logic of the Indian migrant mindset
The enigma of the Indian migrant and why it needs to be understood.
Asian ethnicities to make up 33% of population by 2048
About 19 percent of the population claimed Asian descent in 2023.
How old is too old for a home loan?
Mortgage advisers say it is not unusual for age to be a hurdle for some borrowers.
Out Loud: Luxon’s love for Kiwi-Indians doesn’t show in Parliament
When an entire population group is missing from the governing party, policy blind spots are not an accident.
India–NZ FTA: Stress-testing Winston’s anxieties over the deal
The foreign minister isn't happy with the terms of the FTA with India. It's not the first time he has had a grudge with a trade deal.
Young tennis stars hope international success can inspire community
Young tennis stars want more Kiwi-Indians to take up the sport.
What’s fuelling the growing demand for Indian ethnic wear?
Outlets selling Indian footwear items such as mojaris, juttis and Kolhapuri chappals are proving popular.
Regional Indian films outshine Bollywood at NZ box office
Regional Indian cinema is giving the mighty Bollywood a run for its money in New Zealand.
Kiwi-Indians celebrate sporting excellence in droves
Tens of thousands have turned up to cheer at New Zealand's Indian community events in recent months.
Migrant bus drivers want strict language rules for residency eased
The petition follows warnings that a looming driver shortage could cripple transport services.
Indian community theatre group Prayas marks 20 years on stage
Behind the scenes with Indian community theatre group Prayas, which has marked two decades on stage.
‘Millennial nostalgia with Bollywood bangers’: Young Indian Kiwis embrace DJ life
What was once a niche hobby has increasingly become a serious pursuit, particularly for women
New Year honour reflects the 'resilience, strength, and contributions of refugee communities'
Asian New Zealanders shine in New Year Honours list 2025
As Trump rewrites the rules in Venezuela, NZ faces a foreign policy reckoning
New Zealand now faces a moment of reckoning in its foreign policy.
Government u-turns on prescription co-payment fees
Patients would still need to collect their medicines every three months.
Passengers urged to wave down buses - but not required
Making an extra effort at the bus stop is not essential but it can go a long way.
Mum awarded $10,000 after son blocks her access to money
The woman said she was in a vulnerable position because she relied on her son.
What you need to know about washing cars (and more) at home
Washing your car can clean out your wallet. But it doesn't have to be that way.