New Zealand is latest destination for Indian tourists

10/02/2008 0 Comments read Travel

By Neena Bhandari

Auckland (New Zealand), 10.02.2008 (IANS): An increasing number of Indian tourists are visiting New Zealand, known as the land of the long white cloud. In 2006-2007, as many as 20,946 Indians spent an average of 13.8 days in New Zealand, showing a growth of 8.3 percent over the previous year.

Most visitors are choosing to stay in 4- or 5-star hotels, luxury lodges and boutique accommodation on an average spending NZ$3,425 (Rs.105,782), excluding airfare, per person per trip – higher than the average of NZ$3,115 (Rs.96,304) spent by tourists from other countries. Continue reading →

Charting over 100 years of Indian migration to New Zealand

31/03/2007 0 Comments read Migration

By Neena Bhandari

Sydney, 10.12.2007 (IANS): Did you know an Anglo-Indian from Goa, Edward Peters, was the first to discover gold in the Otago region of New Zealand that led to the gold rush of the 1860s?

Such nuggets of information can be found in the book “Indian Settlers: The History of a New Zealand South Asian Community” published by Otago University Press.

From low-wage work to high-profile jobs, from facing discrimination to integrating with the mainstream, the book traces the journey of Indian migrants in New Zealand.

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Maori Treasures

03/12/2005 0 Comments read Gender, Indigenous, Travel

Reihana Parata Photo Credit: Neena Bhandari

By Neena Bhandari

Wellington, 03.12.2005 (The Australian): In the freezing cold, a mellifluous voice penetrates the stillness as we are treated to a traditional Powhiri or Maori welcome ceremony before being ushered into the Maori Treasures complex near Wellington.

Powhiri is the protocol for establishing a new relationship with all the five senses – sight, sound, smell, touch and taste. The ceremony is completed with a Hongi or pressing of noses, which acknowledges sharing the same air and touching foreheads, signifying sharing the same knowledge. After this, from a visitor one becomes tangata whenua (people of the land).

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