'Made for each other': Luxon and Modi celebrate 'milestone' in NZ-India relationship

Christopher Luxon says today’s visit by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi marks a “significant milestone” in the relationship between New Zealand and India, and is about more than just the recently signed Free Trade Agreement.

Modi, who is one of the world’s most high-profile leaders, arrived at Auckland Airport late last night before his action-packed day today.

He was this morning welcomed with a pōwhiri to Government House in Auckland. He was greeted by Prime Minister Christopher Luxon with the pair hugging and shaking hands, before walking up red-carpeted steps into a marquee.

The two then spoke publicly, ahead of a formal bilateral meeting.

Luxon thanked Modi for his “truly historic visit” to New Zealand, which was taking place at a time when “we are living in a very complex world”.

Luxon said it was a significant milestone in the NZ-India relationship.

“Thank you for the relationship and what you’ve put into it … today’s focus is about more than just the FTA (Free Trade Agreement).

“I’m looking forward to meeting with you today … [it’s a] pleasure to see you, my friend.”

Christopher Luxon welcomed Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Government House in Auckland this morning. Photo / Bruce Mackay 

Luxon was forced to briefly stop his remarks after some members of the Indian media contingent said the translation headsets weren’t working.

“Is there a problem with the translator or the Prime Minister?”, Luxon joked, prompting laughter around the table.

Modi began his response with a series of greetings, including “Kia ora”.

There was a “renewed energy … and renewed resolve” in the two countries relationship, Modi said.

He said today’s meeting would strengthen their bilateral efforts for peace, safety and stability in the world. Both New Zealand and India share democratic values and were maritime countries, he said.

“It’s like we were made for each other.”

The FTA had been made in a very short time, Modi said.

“I express my heartfelt gratitude to you and the team.”

‘Historic event’ 

Luxon earlier told Newstalk ZB’s Mike Hosking Breakfast that Modi’s first visit would be a “historic event”.

The leader, who is staying at the Cordis Hotel in Auckland, drew around 80 people last night as he arrived.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was officially welcomed to Government House in Auckland this morning. Photo / Bruce Mackay 

A wero (traditional Māori challenge) was performed as part of the pōwhiri. Photo / Bruce Mackay 

Around midday, a live forum is planned to showcase six or seven business sectors “that are of interest to India”, followed by a celebration lunch.

Labour leader Chris Hipkins is also expected to meet Modi in the late afternoon.

Modi’s visit will end with a “massive community event” which thousands of Kiwi Indians are expected to attend at Spark Arena.

One News reported the venue was set to be at capacity, which would be more than 13,000 people.

The Indian leader is then set to depart New Zealand late this evening.

Modi has an action-packed day ahead of him after exchanging a welcome hug with Prime Minister Christopher Luxon last night. 

Heightened security presence 

Police operation commander Inspector Grae Anderson this week said additional support from specialist groups was being deployed, including public order teams from across the country.

“These specialist resources will be able to assist with supporter crowds or any other disruptions that may occur.”

Anderson said, given the stature of the visit, the public should expect some disruptions to parts of the city.

Global Risk Consulting Group managing director Chris Kumeroa said authorities kept public security plans broad, so people weren’t able to search for “vulnerabilities”.

The former NZSAS trooper said they could also use a “show of force” to demonstrate a physical security presence and manage risks.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and India PM Narendra Modi wave at media ahead of their bilateral meeting. Photo / Interest.co.nz 

‘Taking my guns to please Modi’ 

Destiny Church leader Brian Tamaki made incendiary social media comments last month, accusing Modi of targeting Indian Christians with threats and violence. 

He later called for “Modi’s visit to be banned and for the India-NZ FTA to be torpedoed”. 

“I think we should reciprocate in kind. Let’s purge New Zealand of Hindus, Sikhs and Muslims,” Tamaki said. 

Brian Tamaki speaks to supporters at Auckland Domain. Photo / Sylvie Whinray 

“And, while we’re at it, if they’re burning churches down, why don’t we burn mosques and their temples down? Tit for tat.” 

Tamaki was served a “temporary firearms licence suspension notice” last month by police and had several hunting weapons confiscated. 

The police operation at Tamaki’s home followed his reference on a podcast to using a shotgun to protect his family from immigrants. 

Tamaki told the Herald he was speaking figuratively. 

After the seizure by police, Tamaki claimed his guns were taken because the Government and police were “bending over backwards” before Modi’s visit. 

In a Facebook post, Tamaki accused the police and the Government of “taking my guns to please Modi” after an official notice from the Firearms Safety Authority on his temporary gun suspension.