Community leaders, diplomats and representatives from various organisations gathered at Papakura Marae for a special Pōwhiri and Karakia Whakamutunga ceremony on Wednesday celebrating Māori culture, community partnerships and cultural understanding.
The event brought together representatives from Māori, Indian, Japanese, Lebanon and other international communities, reflecting the growing connections between diverse cultures across New Zealand.
Among those attended the ceremony were Indian Consul Generals of India, Japan, Lebanon, Jordan and Finland, and members of the Supreme Sikh Society and the Japanese Society of Auckland.
Sikh scholar Sukhpreet Singh Udhoke was also present at the gathering and spoke about the importance of building stronger connections between communities through dialogue, understanding and shared values. He highlighted the similarities between Sikh and Māori traditions, particularly the emphasis on service, respect and collective wellbeing.
Guests were welcomed by Papakura Marae leadership, including Marae Chief Executive Tony Kake and Executive Committee Chair Anne Kendall, who highlighted the importance of strengthening relationships between communities while promoting Māori culture, values and opportunities.
The gathering was organised to showcase Māori culture, Māori business and trade opportunities, while encouraging greater collaboration between Māori organisations and New Zealand’s diverse communities.
Speaking during the event, marae representatives explained that Papakura Marae has become an important urban marae serving people from all backgrounds. They said more than 60 services are currently offered through the marae, including support in education, health, driver licensing, social services and community wellbeing.
Marae leaders emphasised that the facility operates without discrimination and welcomes everyone regardless of ethnicity, religion or cultural background.
They also spoke about the importance of promoting Māori businesses both within New Zealand and internationally, saying stronger partnerships can create opportunities for communities to learn from one another and grow together.
Throughout the gathering, speakers highlighted Māori values such as kotahitanga (unity), manaakitanga (hospitality) and mutual respect, describing them as principles that can help strengthen relationships across all communities.
The event concluded with discussions about future cooperation, cultural exchange and ways to build stronger links between Māori organisations and New Zealand’s increasingly diverse population.
Organisers said the gathering demonstrated how people from different cultures can come together to celebrate shared values while learning more about Māori traditions and the important role marae continue to play in modern New Zealand society.
