New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon visited the BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham temple in New Delhi on March 18, marking a significant step in strengthening India New Zealand cultural ties.
Accompanied by a 110-member delegation, including senior officials, ministers, business leaders, and community representatives Luxon received a traditional welcome before exploring the intricately carved mandir. As a sign of respect, he offered flower petals at the temple and participated in the abhishek ceremony.
Among the key officials in the delegation were Trade Minister Todd McClay Ethnic Communities Minister Mark Mitchell, and Tourism Minister Louise Upston, along with New Zealand High Commissioner Patrick Rata. Several Members of Parliament and top executives from leading New Zealand firms also joined the visit reinforcing economic and trade ties between the two nations.
During the visit Luxon was presented with an inaugural Maori-language edition of the Satsang Diksha, a sacred Hindu scripture written by His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj. In a personal letter, Swamishri currently in Sydney, Australia commended Luxon’s commitment to cultural and spiritual values, stating “Your presence at Akshardham reflects your respect for cultural and spiritual values. Akshardham stands as a symbol of faith, unity, and service to society, and your visit has strengthened the message of harmony and goodwill.”
Special prayers were offered for Luxon’s leadership, his family’s well-being, and New Zealand’s peace and prosperity.
Expressing his admiration Luxon described Akshardham as an “incredibly special” place to see this magnificent temple and the amazing work that has been done is truly inspiring. It has been an honour to bring our business and community delegation to witness this achievement.”
He also highlighted the growth of the BAPS community in New Zealand recalling his 2023 visit to Auckland and celebrating the opening of a new temple in Wellington. In the temple guestbook, he wrote “It was a great privilege to pay my respects at the beautiful and inspiring Akshardham Temple. Thank you for a wonderful place of peace and learning.”
On social media, Luxon acknowledged the Indian community’s contributions to New Zealand, stating:
“The Hindu community in New Zealand has made a large contribution to our country. Today in Delhi, I paid my respects at a place sacred to many Kiwi-Indians the BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple.”
Luxon praised the Indian community’s role in New Zealand, saying “The contributions you have made to New Zealand are incredibly rich culturally, socially, and economically. You have made our country a better and richer place.”
The BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha has been serving the Hindu community in New Zealand for decades, with centres in Auckland, Hamilton, Rotorua, Christchurch, and the soon-to-open Wellington temple. Through youth programs, spiritual activities, and charitable efforts, BAPS continues to promote faith, culture, and service.
BAPS Charities actively contributes to food drives, environmental efforts, health campaigns, and disaster relief, reinforcing unity and social well-being across New Zealand.
