About Us

Our Community

The Wellington Indian Association is a charitable organisation that was established in 1925 to foster Indian culture for Indians in Wellington. 

We promote and advance the welfare of Indian residents in Wellington and promote a better understanding of the Hindu religion and Indian culture. 

While our members enjoy privileged and discounted access to our facilities and events; a key and often invisible component of our function is advocacy. We engage at various levels with the New Zealand Government, government agencies and the Indian High Commission and enjoy an excellent relationship with all. We also work closely with other ethnic organisations and help contribute to the multicultural ethnic diversity in Wellington.

Our vibrant and active community comprises different committees to cater to the differing needs of our various constituencies. The Mahila Samaj is our Ladies Wing and are highly visible and active in welfare and fund-raising; Youth Affairs to ensure our young ones stay in touch with our identity & culture; and finally a newly formed Health & Wellbeing committee to understand and address the health issues peculiar to our society and in particular our ageing society who attend the Senior Citizen's Group. The Gita Mandir committee nurtures interest in the Hindu religion. The Social and Cultural group promotes our Indian culture. To see more of our community in action please visit our Facebook page here

History

Our organisation goes back many years and has made valuable contributions to the New Zealand society. We are proud of our dual heritage and responsibilities. We have a resident historian who is charged with ensuring that we do not forget.

The Wellington Indian Association commenced with 64 founding members with a consolidated fund of 73 pounds 18 shillings and 6 pence. It became the financial base of the constitution. Membership subscription was 2 shilling 6 pence a month.

On 1st March 1925, the first president of the newly formed organization was Ravjibhai Hira. At this time there was no meeting place.

W.I.A. made history when the foundation stone of Bharat Bhavan Tasman Street was laid by Gandabhai Nagar. Then on 5th of April 1958 Mayor F.J. Kitts officially opened the hall.

When the premises became too small to cater for the large functions, 48 Kemp Street Kilbirnie was bought. Her Excellency Dame Catherine Tizard opened Bharat Bhavan Kemp Street on 14th June 1992.