Petition Calls for Diwali to Become a Public Holiday in New Zealand

Auckland, 2025
A new petition has called on the New Zealand Government to make Diwali, the Festival of Lights, a public holiday. Supporters say the move would reflect the country’s cultural diversity and recognise the contribution of Indian New Zealanders to society.

The Petition

The petition was officially submitted through Parliament.nz, where citizens can lodge public requests for members of Parliament to consider. It states that Diwali is celebrated worldwide across faiths and cultures and that making it a national holiday would allow all New Zealanders to take part in its message of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and unity across communities.

Recognition in Parliament

During a Parliamentary Debate on 10 April 2025, one Member of Parliament mentioned the significance of Diwali in New Zealand’s multicultural identity, saying:

“Festivals such as Diwali bring together communities across Auckland, Wellington, and beyond. They are no longer just ethnic celebrations; they are New Zealand celebrations that show how our nation’s identity continues to evolve.”
(Parliamentary Debates Hansard, 10 April 2025, Parliament.nz)

While this comment was not part of a formal motion, it reflects growing acknowledgment of Diwali’s cultural importance at the national level.

Indian Community in New Zealand

According to Stats NZ’s 2023 Census, 292,092 people identified as having Indian heritage, making Indians the third-largest ethnic group in the country.
Indians have lived in New Zealand for more than a century. A census taken in 1881 recorded only six Indians living in the country.

Language data from the 2023 Census shows Hindi is the fourth most spoken language, and Punjabi ranks ninth. Punjabi also recorded the fastest growth between 2018 and 2023 with a 45.1 percent increase.

Why Supporters Say It Matters

Those backing the petition believe that making Diwali a public holiday would:

• Recognise cultural and religious diversity
• Allow Indian New Zealanders to celebrate without taking annual leave
• Encourage schools and workplaces to promote intercultural understanding
• Strengthen community events that already attract thousands across major cities

Large-scale Diwali festivals in Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch already draw tens of thousands of attendees each year. Supporters say a public holiday would make it easier for everyone to participate.

Government Process and Next Steps

Under the Holidays Act 2003, only Parliament can approve a new national public holiday. Petitions submitted through Parliament.nz are reviewed by the Petitions Committee, which may forward them to the responsible minister for response.
So far, the Government has not announced any decision, but the petition has encouraged public discussion about cultural inclusion and official recognition of major festivals.

The Bigger Picture

Countries such as Fiji, Mauritius, and Singapore already observe Diwali as a national public holiday. Supporters of the New Zealand petition say following their example would strengthen the country’s commitment to multiculturalism and equal cultural respect.

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Source Credits:
Population and language data – Stats NZ 2023 Census
Petition process and parliamentary record – Parliament.nz
Excerpt from Parliamentary Debates Hansard (10 April 2025), Parliament.nz

Right of Reply:
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