New Zealand Visit: Indigenous culture on display during PM Modi’s welcome; honored with the ‘Powhiri’ tradition

Auckland. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is currently on a visit to New Zealand. Showcasing the country’s rich indigenous heritage and cultural traditions, he was welcomed with a traditional Māori ‘Powhiri’ ceremony at Government House in Auckland on Saturday (local time).

What did the Ministry of External Affairs say?
Sharing details on X, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated, “Prime Minister Narendra Modi was accorded a warm and formal welcome at Government House in Auckland. He was honored with the traditional Māori ‘Powhiri,’ reflecting New Zealand’s rich indigenous heritage and cultural values.”

What is the schedule for Saturday?
Following the formal welcome ceremony, bilateral talks were held between Prime Minister Modi and his New Zealand counterpart, Christopher Luxon. Subsequently, the Prime Minister is scheduled to interact with prominent figures from the business and sports worlds. According to the MEA, highlighting the strong people-to-people ties between India and New Zealand, the Prime Minister will also address a large gathering of the Indian diaspora.

What did the PM share on X?
Shortly after arriving in Auckland on Friday, Prime Minister Modi described his visit as historic. In a post on X, he thanked Prime Minister Luxon for the welcome at the airport. He also highlighted that this is the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to New Zealand in four decades.

He wrote, “Arrived in Auckland a short while ago. Grateful to Prime Minister Luxon for the welcome at the airport. This visit is historic, as it is the first visit by a Prime Minister to New Zealand in four decades.” Prime Minister Modi arrived in Auckland on Friday, where Prime Minister Christopher Luxon welcomed him warmly and embraced him. This visit is taking place at the invitation of Prime Minister Luxon.

When was the Free Trade Agreement signed?
Following the signing of the Free Trade Agreement in April this year, this visit is expected to further boost trade and bilateral relations. Earlier, during Prime Minister Luxon’s official visit to India, the two leaders held a bilateral meeting in New Delhi on March 17, 2025.