While there are many images around Auckland reminding us that we are now living in a society made up of a large number of different cultures, nothing brings this message home more than the almost weekly parade of ethnic and religious festivals and national days.
Last Fortnight, I attended a function for Pakistan’s National Day, hosted by Syed Ibne Abbas, High Commissioner of Pakistan in Wellington, and another in Auckland marking the Bangladeshi National Day.
I also attended the Waitakere Indian Association’s ‘Holi Mela,’ an occasion celebrated with vibrant colours, Indian music and good cheer.
We also had the Auckland International Cultural festival in Mt Roskill.
In the coming week, we will celebrate Baisakhi, an important event in the Sikh calendar. This is also the Sikh New Year and the founding of the ‘Khalsa Panth.’
Thousands of Sikhs will assemble at the many Gurdwaras around New Zealand to mark Baisakhi, which was first organised in 1699 by the Tenth Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh.
Great Significance
It is important to reflect on the meaning and significance of these festivals and religious events. While they are especially significant for particular ethnic communities, they are also a statement of the ethnic presence and experience in New Zealand.
What I find most instructive is the significance of such events for contemporary life in New Zealand. I also appreciate the symbolism of these events for the experience of ethnic communities in New Zealand.
The message of Baisakhi is one of sacrifice and courage.
It reminds every Sikh of the teachings of Guru Gobind Singh that great deeds are often accompanied by great sacrifice and courage.
Guru Gobind Singh demonstrated his views on equality because the five who were first to form the Khalsa (‘Panch Piaras’) to fight against tyranny and oppression, represented a cross-section of trades and classes.
In the same way, the Holi Mela was about the triumph of good over evil and the celebration of this victory as a ‘Festival of Colours.’
Colourful Communities
Without pushing the symbolism too far, it is also a reminder of the various ‘colours’ that give modern New Zealand its vibrancy and excitement.
I believe this symbolism should receive greater prominence in a city like Auckland because it also provides a sense of ownership by all Aucklanders in these celebrations.
They have now become a part of Auckland and New Zealand.
Embracing diversity
Auckland is now a Super City and the most diverse in New Zealand.
This diversity is celebrated almost every week through festivals and events.
Many Aucklanders now attend these celebrations.
They especially enjoy the music and the cuisine of these communities.
I hope we will make more of the symbolism of these events in the Super City and use opportunities to ensure that our growing diversity is embraced by all and their implications for planning, policy and services.
We have a long way to go before we can be satisfied that our ethnic communities feel a sense of ownership in ‘New Zealand Inc.’
We should move beyond symbolism into full and active participation in the affairs of the Super City.
Rajen Prasad is Member of Parliament and Ethnic Spokesman for the Labour Party.
