Association's History

PURCHASING THE FIRST SITE
In the late 1940’s, three houses were purchased at 156 Victoria St West, Auckland. This was a bold step for a relatively small community to undertake, but nevertheless a positive one for the coming generations.As the years progressed, the foundation members felt that it had the resources to demolish the three houses and make plans for the building of a community hall.

Hence after discussions and meetings they all agreed unanimously agreed to the name Gandhi Hall. In the year 1953, an architect by the name of Ron Mewa, was consulted and the drawings were drafted and subsequently approved. The foundation stone was laid during a ceremony in 1954, with the honour being given to the Late Shri Jelal K. Natali.

1955, was a milestone in the history of Indian Nationals, as the Gandhi Hall was constructed and completed in this year. This was the first ever community hall to be built by the Indian community. In times of hardship, this was a great feat, and members made great sacrifices in the service of their community, often neglecting their own family and business affairs. They worked with complete dedication and unity, a great example for us all and worthy of our utmost admiration.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by fellow Indians throughout New Zealand, and from all different regional districts in India. His worship the Mayor, Mr Luxford was the chief guest of honour, and was given the privilege of opening the new hall.


THE ESTABLISHING OF SANSKAR KENDRA
Whilst members had a reasonable understanding of our religious scriptures, the Late Shri Rameshbhai N. Patel was a staunch advocate in the maintaining of spiritual and cultural activities within the community. The Sanskar Kendra began with his vision, and he was a man of many extraordinary talents. He was a gifted artist, poet, author, Gujarati tutor and marriage celebrant during Indian marriage ceremonies.

Through Shri Rameshbhai’s initiative the Sanskar Kendra held a satsang every Sunday at 6 pm at the Gandhi Hall. Shri Rameshbhai would narrate talks from the Bhagavat Gita, Ramayan and other scriptures. Dedicated attendees to the weekly programme included; Late Shri Parbhubhai Jogi, Late Shri Jasubhai Ranchhod, Late Shri Chhotubhai Parsot, Late Shri Haribhai Jagu, Shri Vallabhbhai Daya, Shri Chhotubhai Sima, Shri Chhaganbhai Budhi, Shri Ramanbhai Chhiba, together with their spouses.


GANDHI GRUH GUJARATI SCHOOL
The Gujarati School was established in 1955/56, and with the coming new generations, the need for language tutoring was realised. Those members whom had a good formal education in India, volunteered their services every Sunday. Children from five years onwards were enrolled, and with the dedicated support of parents, those children now adults are grateful for the tuition they received. The School was also administered by Late Shri Rameshbhai N. Patel, who was also the Headmaster.


THE COMMUNITY GROWS
In this way, these activities, festivals such as Deepawali and Navratri, marriages, meetings, exhibitions, Mahila Samaj meetings, youth activities, sportsclub meetings, etc were all carried out in the Gandhi Hall. For a good twenty five to thirty years, the hall served its purpose well. However as the community grew larger, many of the functions could not be accommodated adequately at the Victoria St site.

The senior members felt that it was time to investigate the availability of a larger premises. After some time a suitable venue became available with the closing of Findlay’s Bakery. This site at 145 New North Rd, in Auckland was conveniently located in the central city. It was in the year 1989, under the president ship of Shri Ramanbhai Ganda and fellow executives presented the property details to the general community. This was to gauge their support, and after several meetings, in-depth research was carried out. After much discussion, the members voted unanimously to purchase the Findlay’s Bakery Site, for the sum of NZ $ 1,900,000.

Never had such a great commitment been made by the Auckland Indian Association, but the generosity of community members was the only incentive to make such a purchase. The collecting of funds was a major task in itself, and many families were visited personally to pledge their contributions. In 1990, the property deal was signed and officially became the property of the Auckland Indian Association Inc.


SRI RADHA KRISHNA MANDIR (Prayer Hall)
Renovations commenced rapidly and the first building to be refurbished was the Prayer Hall. Under the inspiration and guidance of Pujya Bhaishri, the deities of Sri Radha Krishna were brought from India, in 1991. The Chal Pratishtha ceremonies were performed during this time, with view that in subsequent years a new temple would be built. It was a very memorable time, with the blessings of Pujya Bhaishri and Pujya Shri Swami Chidanand Saraswati, whom officiated the puja personally.

After the deities were installed, regular mandir activities began under the chairmanship of Sri Amratbhai Morar Patel, and the pujari services of Shri Ashokbhai Jeram. The day to day running of the Mandir was a new challenge, and required much help. With the dedication of brothers and sisters in the community, this seva was accepted joyfully. To this date these same brothers and sisters have served Sri Radha Krishna, and the Mandir project with complete humbleness and selfless service. Over the many years, there always existed the desire to build a new home for the Lord, and with the community’s support, this became possible.


NEW SRI RADHA KRISHNA MANDIR 2001
With the blessings of the Auckland Indian Association Inc., and the support of the Mandir chairman and committee members, construction commenced in October 2000. The final stages of the building were completed in June 2001, and the inauguration ceremonies took place on the 7-9 of June 2001.