Narendra Modi in Auckland: How to attend community gala, what we know so far
India's prime minister, Narendra Modi, is expected to visit New Zealand next month.
Sources say at least 120 community organisations have informally indicated they intend to register for tickets.
Preparations for Narendra Modi's maiden visit to New Zealand next month have shifted up a gear with organisers launching a dedicated website for the Indian prime minister's community reception.
The gathering in Auckland is being built up as the centerpiece of Modi's visit in July. The exact date hasn't been announced as yet, but sources say he is expected to fly in late night for a day-long visit to the country.
On May 29, organisers launched kiaoramodi.co.nz, a dedicated website intended to serve as the central information portal for the reception.
Sources privy to organising committee discussions say a security team from India is expected to visit Auckland in the second week of June to inspect the two shortlisted venues – Eden Park and Spark Arena.
According to sources, community organisations will soon be able to formally register their interest through the new website, as organisers work through the complex task of allocating a limited number of seats for what is shaping up to be one of the most sought-after events in New Zealand's Indian community.
Eden Park vs Spark Arena
Eden Park is being considered because of its larger capacity, with organisers estimating it could accommodate about 35,000 attendees for the reception.
The stadium also has roof-cover options, although it is understood to be the more expensive venue.
Spark Arena offers a fully-enclosed venue protected from Auckland's winter weather but has a much smaller capacity of about 12,000 people.
The weather factor is significant. July is typically one of Auckland's wettest months, making a partially exposed venue a risk for organisers planning a large outdoor gathering.
Sources say security requirements will ultimately be the decisive factor, with the advance security assessment expected to play a crucial role in determining the final venue.
Who can attend (and how)
Sources familiar with organising committee discussions say the option currently receiving the strongest support would see registered community organisations allocated a quota of tickets.
Those organisations would then distribute tickets among their own members after carrying out their own vetting processes.
Organisers are understood to view the model as offering an additional layer of scrutiny while ensuring tickets are spread across a broad range of community groups.
"This is the model that has been followed for all of Mr Modi's previous community receptions overseas," a source said.
A second option under consideration would reserve a smaller allocation for members of the general public while distributing the majority of tickets through community organisations.
No final decision has been made, as interest in the event already appears to be far outstripping likely capacity.
Sources say at least 120 community organisations have informally indicated they intend to register once the process opens.
Through those organisations alone, organisers estimate that as many as 80,000 people have already expressed an interest in attending.
Even if Eden Park is selected, that would mean demand could exceed available seats by more than two-to-one. If Spark Arena is chosen, the shortfall would be substantially greater.
Organisers are also facing a significant fundraising challenge. Sources say the organising committee hopes to raise at least $1 million to stage the community reception.
