147 years of Fiji Girmit

On Saturday evening I attended an event to acknowledge 147 years of Fiji Girmit, organised by the Fiji Girmit Foundation NZ.

While Britain officially abolished slavery in 1833, they recruited over 1.2 million Indians under an indenture system from 1879 until 1920. These labourers, referred to the agreement as "Girmit," becoming known as the Girmitiyas. Nearly 61k Indians were taken to Fiji to work as labourers in sugarcane plantations, often facing appalling working and living conditions, creating generational harm and injustice.

This annual commemorative event serves as a tribute to the sacrifices of the Girmitiyas while fostering awareness and reconnecting descendants to their history. We witnessed speeches from distinguished guests (including Prime Minister Rt Hon Christopher Luxon and Rt Hon Chris Hipkins), candlelight vigils, interfaith prayers, cultural performances, and recognition of senior citizens.

The event was well attended by community and politicians, with Auckland Council represented by Councillor Daniel Newman and many local board members. The Howick Local Board was represented by Acting-Chair Kai Zeng, Members Luke Collings, Mike Turinsky, and myself, while Krish Naidu was there in his capacity as President of the Fiji Girmit Foundation of NZ.