Thousands welcome Modi at Auckland rally as protesters gather outside

Thousands of members of New Zealand's Indian community packed Auckland's Spark Arena on Saturday to welcome visiting Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with many describing the event as a once-in-a-generation moment.

Crowds queued for hours outside the arena ahead of the "Kia Ora Modi" rally, with chanting erupting as people waited to enter. Organisers said demand for tickets far exceeded the venue's capacity.

"It's a really, really big thing for us," one attendee told 1News.

Another said Modi's visit would be "very beneficial for both countries", pointing to progress on a free trade agreement.

"We are really proud New Zealanders, as Indians, and we are very happy. It means a lot to us that he's visiting New Zealand, the beautiful country that is home now," another supporter said.

Thousands gathered at Spark Arena to mark the Indian PM’s visit, with community members saying it reflects decades of migration, contribution and growing identity.

Earlier in the day, Modi attended a business and sporting showcase at Auckland's Viaduct Events Centre, where he joked that leading a country was more challenging than batting in cricket.

"The batsman has to deal with only one bowler. I have to play multiple balls being hurled at me at the same time."

The event also marked 100 years of sporting ties between New Zealand and India, with sporting greats including Dame Lisa Carrington, Dame Valerie Adams and Ross Taylor taking part.

"India is a cricket-mad nation," Taylor said.

"It makes what we think of the All Blacks [look] to another level. India is probably our second-favourite team to New Zealand."

Modi and Luxon one of several events throughout the day.

Carrington said sport provided another opportunity to strengthen ties between the two countries.

"Sport is just another way for us to be on the world stage to kind of show what we can do as a country," she said.

Community leaders said Modi's visit carried significance beyond the day's celebrations.

"We've been anticipating a visit for 40 years," Auckland Indian Association president Shanti Patel said.

"It recognises migration, identity and gives us a sense of ourselves."

The visit is the first by an Indian prime minister to New Zealand since Rajiv Gandhi travelled here in 1986.

Outside the arena, more than 100 protesters gathered as the rally got underway, with groups including Sikh separatists, anti-immigration activists and Free Palestine supporters.

The largest group supported the Khalistan movement, which seeks an independent Sikh homeland in India's Punjab region.

Anti-immigration protesters chanted "send them back" and held signs reading "remigration now", while Modi supporters responded with chants of "Modi, Modi, Modi" under the watch of a large police presence.