NZICA Logo
New Zealand Indian Central Association
Our Story

We are

New Zealand Indian Central Association

Uniting Indian Communities since 1926

About Us
NZICA Centenary Logo Dark Bg
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Welcome

Indian Diaspora in New Zealand


New Zealand Indian Central Association Inc. (NZICA) is the only national Indian organisation in New Zealand set up as an umbrella body for regional Indian community groups throughout Aotearoa since 1926.

We work with Indian communities and a wider section of Indians based in New Zealand to provide broad and peer-reviewed coverage of the range of topics that constitute community safety, community justice and youth advancements. Our Interdisciplinary and scope reflects the broad help and support we provide to the community.

  • Health and Wellbeing
  • Immigration
  • Women Forum
  • Youth Forum
  • Business
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journey

Our Rich History 

Our Organisation
Helping NZ Indians to strive and excel by promoting general welfare and the advancement of Indians residing in New Zealand.
Our People
Our team has the ability to work together towards a common vision, making a trusted platform that allows community to build trust.
Our History
NZ Indian Central Association (NZICA) was formed in 1926 with three branches Auckland, Country Section (Taumarunui) and Wellington.
Our Gallery
Memories captured through camera from various past events. 
Our Articles
Articles and Press Release statements of NZICA . 
Our Achievements
Achievements and accomplishments since our inception.
our mission

Collaborative ways of living together

NZICA's foundation over 99 years of service is to a growing movement of people joining and building intentional communities.

01.
Welfare

Ensuring provisions for protection and livelihood

02.
Youth

Retaining identity and uniqueness with society

03.
Culture

Encouraging and sustaining heritage for future generations

04.
Women

Empowering for self confidence and independence

05.
Connect

Connecting people with other affiliated organisations across New Zealand

06.
Leading

Providing leadership, advocacy and solidarity

07.
Advancement

Providing opportunity to enhance in life

oUR TEAM

Our Executive Committee

Veer Khar
President
Dhansukh Lal
Vice President
Taruna Bhana
General Secretary
Bhavisha Patel
Treasurer
Kalyan Rao
Assistant Secretary
Narendra Bhana
Immediate past President
Members

Our Members

Auckland Indian Association
Auckland Indian Association Logo
Auckland Indian Association aiai.org.nz
Wellington Indian Association
Wellington Indian Association Logo
Wellington Indian Association wia.org.nz
Country Section NZ Indian Association
csnzia
Country Section New Zealand Indian Association CSNZIA
Pukekohe Indian Association
Pukekohe Indian Association logo
Pukekohe Indian Association PIA
Indian Association (Manukau) New Zealand
Manukau Indian Association
Indian Association (Manukau) New Zealand IAMNZ
Bay of Plenty (Rotorua) Indian Association
Rotorua Indian Association logo
Bay of Plenty (Rotorua) Indian Association BOPRIA
Central District Indian Association
CDIA Logo
Central District Indian Association CDIA
Christchurch Indian Association
CIA logo
Christchurch Indian Association CIA
Waikato Indian Association
Waikato Indian Association logo
Waikato Indian Association WaIA
other Members

Our Associate Members

Taranaki
TIA Logo Png
Taranaki Indian Association taranakiindians.org
NZ Punjabi Cultural Association
NZ Punjabi Cultural Association
NZ Punjabi Cultural Association NZAUSPCA
New Zealand Kannada Koota
New Zealand Kannada Koota logo
New Zealand Kannada Koota NZKK
Probasee Bengali Association of New Zealand
Probasee Bengali Association of New Zealand logo
Probasee Bengali Association of New Zealand PBANZ
Auckland Marathi Association
Auckland Marathi Association logo
Auckland Marathi Association AMAI
New Zealand Telugu Association
New Zealand Telugu Association logo
New Zealand Telugu Association NZTA
Muthamil Sangam Auckland
Muthamil Sangam Auckland logo
Muthamil Sangam Auckland MSA
Auckland Malayali Samajam
Auckland Malayali Samajam logo
Auckland Malayali Samajam AMS
Telangana Association of New Zealand 
Telangana Association of New Zealand logo
Telangana Association of New Zealand  TANZ
Auckland Tamil Association
Auckland Tamil Association logo
Auckland Tamil Association ATA
partners and supporters

Our Partners

  • NZ Human Rights
  • ministry-for-ethnic-communities_orig
  • New Zealand Immigration logo
  • ANZ logo
  • High Commission of India
  • New Zealand Police logo

Our Supporters

  • COGS logo
  • Lion Foundation logo
  • Lottery Grants Logo
  • Pub Charity logo

NZICA Major Milestones

1926–2026

NZICA: A Century of Unity

One hundred years of advocacy, community building, cultural pride and service.

1926-1946 Advocacy 1947-1979 Community 1980-1999 Growth 2000-2019 National voice 2020-2026 Service & centenary
  1. 1926
    Foundation

    A united national voice

    NZICA is formed by the Auckland Indian Association, Wellington Indian Association and Country Section in Taumarunui to challenge discriminatory policy and represent Indians nationally.

  2. 1938
    Continuity

    Leadership through adversity

    One of NZICA's earliest surviving records photographs its elected officers, who sustained the organisation through the Depression and an openly hostile social climate.

  3. 1947
    New chapter

    India's independence

    NZICA and its branches celebrate independence across New Zealand. The organisation's international focus begins shifting towards a stronger New Zealand-India relationship.

  4. 1955
    Belonging

    Permanent community foundations

    Gandhi Hall opens as Auckland's first Indian community centre, while Gandhi Gruh Gujarati School strengthens language and cultural transmission across generations.

  5. 1970-71
    Participation

    Women organise and lead

    Mahila Samaj is established in Wellington in 1970 and Auckland in 1971, formalising women's growing role in community organisation and governance.

  6. 1987
    Policy change

    Immigration opens on skills

    After sustained NZICA engagement with ministers and officials, New Zealand introduces points-based immigration, replacing restrictive national-origin settings and accelerating Indian migration.

  7. 1989
    Home

    Mahatma Gandhi Centre

    The Auckland Indian Association acquires the Mount Eden site that becomes the Mahatma Gandhi Centre and the home of NZICA's national offices.

  8. 2001
    Culture

    A growing cultural hub

    The Radha Krishna Temple opens at the Mahatma Gandhi Centre, expanding a national community landmark into a vibrant spiritual and cultural home.

  9. 2010
    Recognition

    Diwali reaches Parliament

    Diwali is celebrated in New Zealand Parliament for the first time, growing into an enduring platform for NZICA's cultural advocacy and cross-party engagement.

  10. 2021
    Service

    Mobilising for India

    NZICA's COVID-19 relief campaign raises more than $200,000 and sends 120 oxygen concentrators to India at the height of the Delta crisis.

  11. 2025
    Leadership

    Centenary executive elected

    Veer Khar is elected NZICA President in Wellington on 5 April, with a mandate to honour the past and position a more diverse organisation for its second century.

  12. 2026
    100 years

    A century of unity

    More than 600 guests gather at Cordis Auckland on 28 February for the sellout Centenary Curtain Raiser, honouring 100 years of advocacy, culture, leadership and service.

1926-2026 From three founding associations to a nationwide collective voice.
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