The Rt Hon Christopher Luxon, Prime Minister of New Zealand, visited BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham in New Delhi, with a 110-member delegation, including senior government officials, ministers, business leaders, and community representatives from New Zealand.
Prime Minister Luxon and his delegation received a traditional welcome before exploring the intricately carved mandir, which embodies India’s rich heritage, devotion, and values. As a mark of respect, Prime Minister Luxon offered flower petals at the Swaminarayan Akshardham Mandir and participated in the abhishek ceremony.
Accompanying the Prime Minister were Minister for Trade Todd McClay, Minister for Ethnic Communities Mark Mitchell, and Minister for Tourism Louise Upston. Also present were Members of Parliament Andy Foster, Carlos Cheung, Dr. Parmjeet Parmar, and Priyanca Radhakrishnan, along with New Zealand High Commissioner H.E. Patrick Rata. The business delegation included top executives from leading New Zealand firms, further strengthening economic and trade relations between the two nations.
In a special moment, the Prime Minister was presented an inaugural Maori language copy of the Satsang Diksha, a sacred Hindu scripture written by His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj.
His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj, currently in Sydney, Australia, conveyed a heartfelt message to Prime Minister Luxon in a personal letter:
"Your presence at Akshardham and the time you devoted to this visit reflect your respect for cultural and spiritual values. Akshardham stands as a symbol of faith, unity, and service to society, and your visit has further strengthened the message of harmony and goodwill."
Swamishri also expressed gratitude for the prime minister’s support to the Indian community in New Zealand, acknowledging his efforts to foster an inclusive and peaceful society that continues to strengthen the bonds of friendship between New Zealand and India.
Furthermore, special prayers were offered for Prime Minister Luxon’s leadership, the well-being of his family, and the peace and prosperity of New Zealand.
Shared Experiences
Reflecting on his experience, Prime Minister Luxon shared:
"It's incredibly special to be here at Akshardham. To see this magnificent temple and the amazing work that has been done is truly inspiring. It has been a great honour to bring our business and community delegation from New Zealand to witness what has been achieved here. I just want to say a big shout out to all the BAPS community back home in New Zealand. I remember visiting Auckland in 2023, and it's been fantastic to see the continued growth of the faith in New Zealand and actually see the opening of a new temple in Wellington. It's really, really special."
He was particularly moved by the serene atmosphere and spiritual depth of Swaminarayan Akshardham. He expressed his sentiments in the guest book: "It was a great privilege to pay my respects at the beautiful and inspiring Akshardham Temple and to be hosted so warmly by the temple authorities. Thank you for a wonderful place of peace and learning."
On social media, he further acknowledged the temple’s significance for the Indian community in New Zealand:
"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."
Acknowledging the Indian Community's Contribution in New Zealand
Prime Minister Luxon also took a moment to acknowledge the contributions of the Indian community in New Zealand, saying, "We admire you so much. The contributions you have made to New Zealand are incredibly rich on so many different levels—culturally, socially, and economically. You have made New Zealand a better and richer place."
BAPS in New Zealand
BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha has served the Hindu community in New Zealand for decades, fostering faith, culture, and service through centres in Auckland, Hamilton, Rotorua, Christchurch, and the soon-to-open Wellington.
Alongside spiritual and youth programs, BAPS Charities supports local communities through food drives, environmental efforts, health campaigns, and disaster relief. Committed to unity and service, BAPS continues to strengthen cultural ties and social well-being across New Zealand.