“We must celebrate our cultural diversity and continue to respect each other,” he said, participating in the 21st Anniversary celebrations of the Auckland based Nanaskar Trust on October 17.
He also visited the Nanaskar Education Phulwari, a Centre stated to be the first of its type in New Zealand run by an Indian Charity, which tends to children of all communities.
Mr Key said its multicultural approach was significant in a fast-changing world.
“There could be issues and problems in an evolving society but we have mature communities in New Zealand with people living and working together for the common good.
“We can overcome all hurdles and concentrate on making positive progress,” he said.
He later attended the Sunday Service at the Nanaskar Sikh Temple, where Spiritual Leader and Worldwide Chairman Baba Amar Singh led the prayers.
Mr Singh honoured Mr Key with a ‘Shiropa,’ a ‘Robe of Honour’ and a picture of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, Founder of the Sikh Religion.
“The message of Guru Nanak of having an “all inclusive society and existence of universal brotherhood” still holds good, even after 500 years,” Rajvinder Singh of the Trust said.
“Baba Amar Singh offered to host Mr Key during his forthcoming visit to India and the UK, where the Nanaksar Trust was successfully running established educational institutions and pioneering projects for the children in need,” he said.
Ethnic Affairs Minister Pansy Wong and Members of Parliament Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi and Dr Cam Calder also attended the event.
The Nanaksar Trust was established in 1989 as a religious charity and built the landmark Sikh Temple on Great South Road in Manurewa.
In line with the needs of the growing community, the Trust works to fulfil the needs of the community, in coordination with Government Departments, the City Council, community organisations, schools and other charities.
