HISTORY

The Central Districts Indian Association (CDIA) formerly known as the Manawatu-Hawke’s Bay Indian Association (MHBIA), was formed in 1945.

During the early years, the rate of arrivals of Indians to the region increased with many families settling in the Palmerston North area with others living in the surrounding towns of Feilding, Foxton, Levin, Marton, Dannevirke, Eketahuna, Masterton, Pahiatua, Waipukurau and Woodville.

The surge in the Indian population is believed to have been the catalyst for a number of Indian residents, who were predominantly shopkeepers, to form an Indian Association. The aim was for local Indians to support their fellow countrymen. The Association also provided the first point of contact for many new Indian migrants and helped them to settle into New Zealand life. However, it was difficult for everyone to earn a living so many left the region for the larger cities in search of better job opportunities so the number of Indians in the region declined. As a result, interest in the Association’s activities waned, resulting in activities being held on rare occasions and to the point where it became inactive.

The 1970s saw another increase in the Indian population, especially in the Palmerston North area. Dannevirke-raised Paul Patel, now living in Palmerston North, wanted to see the Association revitalised so he wrote to all families in the region to gauge their support in forming a local association. Sport was a common interest for local Indians and an unofficial Indian Sports Club was already in existence. It was decided to form an official Indian Sports Club similar to those already operating in other parts of New Zealand. There was positive support for this idea and in March 1982 the Central Districts Indian Sports Club (CDISC) was formed. Although sport was the major focus, CDISC also held Indian religious functions including Diwali and other non-sporting social events.

In 1988, Paul again wrote to the local families. He felt that the time was right to revitalise the original Manawatu-Hawke’s Bay Indian Association to organise the cultural and religious event in the region. This left CDISC free to concentrate on their sporting activities. Once again, there was a favourable response and the Association was rejuvenated with strong support. In 1989, Paul took on the President’s role, which he held until 2018. Under his leadership, the Association became affiliated to the New Zealand Indian Central Association (NZICA).

The MHBIA title was replaced by the name Central Districts Indian Association in 1999 and in March 2002 CDIA became an incorporated society. The new title reflected better the geographical coverage of the Association and the range of activities undertaken. The members of CDIA are largely based in Palmerston North and the outlying towns of Feilding, Marton, Dannevirke and Wanganui. Today the organisation is highly active with a membership base of 65 families and a number of single members. The committee made up of the executive and committee members form the backbone of the Association. Committee meetings are held regularly and newsletters are sent to our members with information, upcoming events and achievements of our members. CDIA has been at the forefront of Indian cultural and religious events in the Manawatu for many years. CDIA celebrates a number of religious festivals including Janmashtami, Navratri and Diwali. Diwali has been celebrated as a prominent New Zealand-wide festival. CDIA now organises the Diwali festival, embracing a variety of ethnic groups to the general public within the region.

One important event that CDIA has participated in over the years is the Festival of Cultures. This is an annual event organised by the Palmerston North City Council (PNCC) to celebrate the diversity of cultures which make up the community of Palmerston North. It allows ethnic groups to showcase traditional arts, culture and cuisine.

CDIA has hosted five NZICA annual conferences: 1954 and 1968 (then MHBIA), 1989, 2004 and 2011. At the last conference the chief guest was former Governor-General, Anand Satyanand.

The Central Districts Indian Association has been operating for over 70 years and we look forward to celebrating the 75th Jubilee in 2020.