New Zealand leaders honor Girmit legacy

The 147th Girmit Day commemoration in Auckland served as a powerful reminder of the enduring legacy of the Indo-Fijian community and their profound impact on New Zealand. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon's address rightly celebrated this community not just as a part of our nation's multicultural fabric, but as a vital link connecting Aotearoa New Zealand with Fiji. His words, acknowledging their deep roots in Fiji and their significant contributions here, resonate deeply. He rightly stated that "without you we wouldn’t be the New Zealand we are today, a multicultural country full of hopeful hard-working people with a very positive outlook on life and a determination to do well for themselves, their families and their communities."

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You have enriched our country tremendously, without you we wouldn’t be the New Zealand we are today, a multicultural country full of hopeful hard-working people with a very positive outlook on life and a determination to do well for themselves, their families and their communities.

This sentiment was echoed by Labour leader Chris Hipkins, who underscored the importance of ensuring the Indo-Fijian community feels safe and valued in celebrating their culture and faith. His commitment to stand with them reflects a broader understanding that diversity is our strength. The resilience of the Girmitiyas, who navigated immense historical challenges, continues to inspire. Their journey from indentured laborers to integral members of our society is a story of perseverance that enriches our national narrative.

Former Deputy Prime Minister Biman Prasad's call for closer collaboration between Indo-Fijian and Pacific Islander communities across New Zealand is particularly pertinent. Sharing dances, songs, and learning about each other's histories, including the painful colonial past, is essential for building a truly cohesive society. The Girmit legacy is not just about remembering the past; it's about forging a stronger, more interconnected future for all Pacific peoples in New Zealand.

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Labour is here to stand with you, with your families and with your community. You should feel safe to celebrate who you are, to celebrate your culture and practice your faith. You bring strength to Aotearoa New Zealand and you are valued.

From our perspective here in Fiji, seeing the Indo-Fijian diaspora in New Zealand actively preserving their heritage and contributing so significantly to their adopted home is a source of pride. While international coverage might focus on the political or economic aspects of migration, events like this Girmit Day commemoration highlight the deep cultural and familial bonds that transcend borders. It underscores that our shared history, though marked by hardship, has created a unique and valuable diaspora that strengthens both Fiji and New Zealand.

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Our roots and our future belong firmly to one and only homeland Fiji and I want to urge Indo-Fijian communities to work closely with Pacific Islander communities across New Zealand, be it through sharing our dances and songs, sharing and learning about each other’s painful colonial history, celebrating our gods and festivals.