WALT: Understand Indian migration into Aotearoa.
The first Indians to arrive in New Zealand were only months behind Captain Cook in 1769. They were explorers and didn’t stay in Aotearoa.
The next recorded Indian in Aotearoa was in 1809 and was a slave aboard a ship. He jumped off the ship and ended up marrying a Māori woman.
The next big wave of Indians arrived after World War 2 when we had a labor shortage and needed skilled people such as dentists, doctors and engineers.
One thing that was a barrier for Indians settling in Aotearoa was they didn’t look like New Zealanders. They found this insulting as they had been living in New Zealand for as long as lots of other cultures.
Diaspora refers to the people living away from their homeland. One reason that so many people move away from India is because they are one of the biggest countries in the world.
Diwali symbolizes the greatness and victory to each tribe that had contributed to deciding the festival and celebrating the light over darkness. Basically saying “Good over evil” and a day where they celebrate their great ancestors that had made it possible – each year we celebrate Diwali on 14 November In New Zealand.
There are 6,000 Indians that live in Christchurch.But 240,000 Indians that live in NZ.
Kia ora Carez
Well done on posting this information about Indian migration into Aotearoa. You have recalled many interesting stories about Indian people arriving in Aotearoa.
Have you ever celebrated Diwali?
It’s great that you continue to learn about our different cultures in Aotearoa.
Mrs Hastie