New Zealand Central Indian Association holds its 85th Annual General Conference
Delegates, life members and observers from all over New Zealand attended the 85th Annual General Conference of the New Zealand Central Indian Association (NZICA) on 16th April 2011 at the Palmerston North Community Leisure Centre, Palmerston North.

The conference was attended by His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Sir Anand Satyanand, Governor-General of New Zealand and Lady Susan Satyanand; His Excellency Admiral (Retd.) Sureesh Mehta, the Indian High commissioner; Government MP Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi; Labour MP Dr Rajen Prasad and Tangi Utikere, Palmerston North City Councillor.

The meeting concluded with the election of office bearers for 2011-2012: Paul Singh Bains JP (President); Harshadbhai Patel (Vice President); Raj Singh Thandi JP (General Secretary); Raj Bedi (Assistant Secretary); and Manjit Singh (Treasurer).

The relationship between New Zealand and India is fundamental to New Zealand's future economic well- being. New Zealand exports to India have tripled over the last decade.

The growing community of Indian New Zealanders highlights the importance of bilateral trade and investment between India and New Zealand.

NZICA was formed in 1926 with three branches Auckland, Country Section (Taumarunui) and Wellington, where there was a sizable population of Indians residing.

The Indian community throughout New Zealand at that time in its history, felt the need for a single body to represent them in their fight against oppressive legislation and discriminatory immigration policy, and to promote harmony between Indians, the Maori people, and the dominant European population in New Zealand; and to respond to misleading propaganda concerning Indians living in New Zealand.

The Central Association was also formed to advance the cause of all Indians, be it political, educational, health, welfare or cultural identity.

Today the three branches have grown into ten independent, self governing, incorporated branches throughout New Zealand, all affiliated to the New Zealand Indian Central Association (Inc.) and there are other affiliated branches representing various Indian ethnic groups. Association has about 60,000 members as on today.