Members of Papatoetoe’s Indian community have voiced their frustration and fear over what they describe as a growing tide of anti-Indian sentiment, following two incidents of racist graffiti in Auckland.
A public meeting at the India Diversity Centre in Papatoetoe on Friday drew around 50 people, including concerned residents, business owners, police, and politicians. The meeting, organised by the Papatoetoe Ōtara Action Team, was a direct response to threatening messages discovered in South Auckland and Royal Oak.
The first incident occurred last Saturday when graffiti inciting violence against Indians was found on a footpath near Papatoetoe Central School. The discovery caused significant alarm in the community, which has deep roots in the suburb. Papatoetoe is one of Auckland's most diverse areas, known for its vibrant culture and thriving local businesses, many of which feature in guides to the best cheap eats in the area. Similar concerns about public order have also been in the news, with the Tupua Horo Nuku community day postponed due to bad weather.
On Thursday, police arrested a 61-year-old Papatoetoe man in connection with the graffiti. He appeared in the Manukau District Court facing two charges of intentional damage to a footpath, which carries a maximum penalty of three months in prison or a $2000 fine, and one charge of behaving offensively in a public place, which could result in a $1000 fine. He has been released on bail. Shortly after the first discovery, an identical message was found scrawled inside a public toilet on Campbell Road in Royal Oak, amplifying concerns that the sentiment was not an isolated issue.
‘Some of this feels worse’
Feelings of anger, hurt, and fear were palpable at the Friday meeting, as residents shared their experiences and demanded action. Long-time Papatoetoe resident Navtej Randhawa, who has lived in the area for 25 years, said that despite past challenges with racism, the current climate felt more threatening.
Mr Randhawa urged the community to look inwards and become part of the solution by building bridges with wider New Zealand. “What are we doing to be part of the solution and help build a better society?” he asked. “For me, one word stands out: volunteer. Contribute to the wider good of the community and you will see better outcomes.”
Manurewa Local Board member Marshal Walia echoed the community's anxiety, particularly for younger generations. He spoke of increasing reports of bullying and racism targeting Indians in South Auckland. “We have attended many similar meetings, but my question is what are you going to do about these issues, and what are you going to tell those who are nervous about sending their children to school on Monday?” Mr Walia asked officials.
A deeper undercurrent of division
Speakers suggested the graffiti was not a random act of vandalism, but a symptom of a deeper societal problem. Jaspreet Kandhari, general secretary of the NZ Indian Business Association, said the incident reflected a disturbing trend. “Recently, I attended an event where a study on migrant and ethnic groups and their contribution was launched,” he said. “One alarming trend was that many New Zealanders still do not like to see New Zealand as a diverse, migrant country.”
Naveed Hamid, chair of the Pakistan New Zealand Business Council, called for ethnic communities to present a united front against hate. He highlighted the significant economic contribution of migrant communities, estimated at around $60 billion annually. He argued this contribution should be met with respect, not hostility.
The role of social media in amplifying division was also raised by resident Narinder Veer Singh, who questioned what plans authorities had to combat the spread of online hate speech. This concern was shared by Kushma Nair, a local board elect for the Papatoetoe subdivision, who questioned why some groups were permitted to spread anti-Indian rhetoric under the protection of free speech.
Officials promise support and action
Officials in attendance sought to reassure the community that their concerns were being taken seriously. Counties Manukau West area commander Dave Christoffersen described the graffiti as an “appalling act that has no place in our community.”
I feel your hurt and your fear as a result. This was an appalling act that has no place in our community. Police take these matters seriously and we prioritise them, as was the case in this instance.
He confirmed that an investigator was assigned immediately and that police would have a visible presence at Papatoetoe Central School on Monday morning. “We felt that was the best police response when school returns,” he said. “If parents, staff or students have any questions, they will see officers they are familiar with because they are already part of that school community.”
Panmure-Ōtāhuhu MP and Labour’s spokesperson for ethnic communities, Jenny Salesa, called the incident an “unacceptable” hate crime. She relayed the worries of Papatoetoe Central School principal Raj Dullabh, noting that Indian students make up 78 percent of the school’s roll. Politicians from across the spectrum have condemned the graffiti.
ACT MP Parmjeet Parmar concluded with a plea for individuals to challenge racism wherever they see it. She stressed the importance of speaking out against anti-Indian sentiment rather than remaining silent. “It's very important that people don't decide to stay quiet,” she said.
