Where are the tickets to Modi? Confusion mars lead-up to Indian PM’s Auckland visit
Friday, 3 July 2026
The leader of the most populous country in the world, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is coming to Auckland next weekend.
Christopher Luxon confirmed the visit on Thursday, saying it would be “historic” and the first time an Indian prime minister had visited New Zealand in 40 years.
“This visit is about celebrating a winning partnership between New Zealand and India - one that delivers for our people and supports greater prosperity and security for both our countries,” he said.
There is much fanfare being planned for Modi’s day in the country next Sunday, including a major event at Spark Arena which is being organised by the Indian high commission.
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The free Kia Ora Modi event has been in train since May and registrations were opened last month.
But the process has left some frustrated.
One woman spoken to by The Post, who didn’t want to be named but lives out of Auckland, believes she was one of the first to register for tickets, but as of Thursday still had not received tickets leaving her unable to book flights.
“I don’t know what time the event is so I don’t know if I can go for one day or need to stay overnight,” she said.
“Flights are getting expensive, especially because it’s school holidays and next weekend is a long weekend.”
Organisers did not respond to The Post’s questions.
The woman said she wanted to attend because seeing Modi and the spectacle of the event was a “once in a lifetime opportunity”.
“It seems very disorganised and rushed to me. Ridiculous.”
The event is not being organised by New Zealand officials, but it’s understood Luxon could make an appearance.
When Modi visited Australia in 2023, media reported that he received a “rock star welcome” with a rapturous rally of thousands at the Olympic Park stadium.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese held hands with Modi and drove around the stadium in a float.
The imagery was similar at a 2019 rally attended by 50,000 when Modi visited Texas in the United States.
President Donald Trump also held hands with the Indian prime minister. Both rallies were organised and financed by teams of Modi supporters in the Indian diaspora.
Luxon did not mention the rally in his statement confirming Modi’s visit, but said it was a recognition of India and New Zealand taking its relationship “to the next level” with the recently inked free trade deal.
The visit reflects the growing momentum in the New Zealand-India relationship, the statement said, and discussions between the leaders will include trade and investment, maritime security, education, technology, tourism, sport and global issues.
“We will also be celebrating the people-to-people connections between our two countries, with Kiwi-Indians comprising around 6% of New Zealand’s population and making a significant contribution to our country. They are highly engaged across the workforce, with strong representation in business, technology, health, science and many other important sectors.”
The visit comes amid Government infighting over the free trade deal with India, which has included Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters alleging National ministers are “covertly” tightening immigration settings for Indians.