Papatoetoe: A Journey Through Time and Culture
The Auckland Indian Retailers Association (AIRA) was founded in 2011 with the vision of creating a united platform for Indian business owners and retailers across Auckland. The primary aim of the association was to offer mutual support, foster collaboration, and promote the growth and development of Indian-owned retail businesses in the region. What began as a modest initiative by a small group of dedicated entrepreneurs has, over time, evolved into a robust and influential organization representing the interests of over 100 Indian businesses across Auckland.
Early History of Papatoetoe
Papatoetoe, located in South Auckland, New Zealand, has a rich cultural and historical background. Its name comes from the Māori phrase Papatoetoe, meaning “undulating land where the toetoe grass grows,” referencing the native grass that once covered the area.
Originally inhabited by local Māori iwi (tribes), particularly Ngāti Te Ata and Te Ākitai Waiohua, Papatoetoe was an important site for trade and settlement due to its proximity to the Tamaki River and the Manukau Harbour. Māori lived off the land, cultivating crops like kumara and fishing in the nearby waters.
With the arrival of European settlers in the mid-19th century, Papatoetoe began to change. It developed slowly as a rural township with farms, orchards, and a strong sense of community. The construction of the railway in the 1870s gave the area better access to Auckland city, fostering more settlement and commerce.
The Indian Community in Papatoetoe
Since the late 20th century, Papatoetoe has experienced a significant demographic transformation, marked by a growing population from the Indian subcontinent. During the 1980s and 1990s, many Indian and Indo-Fijian families began settling in the area, bringing with them a vibrant mix of culture, entrepreneurship, and religious diversity.
Today, the Indian community is one of the most prominent ethnic groups in Papatoetoe. The suburb proudly features:
- Indian grocery stores and spice markets
- Hindu temples and Sikh gurdwaras
- Celebrations of cultural festivals such as Diwali and Holi
- A wide range of Indian-owned businesses and restaurants
This rich cultural presence has played a key role in shaping Papatoetoe into one of Auckland’s most dynamic and multicultural suburbs, where tradition and modern urban life thrive side by side.
Key contributions of the Indian community:
- Retail and Business: Many Indian families opened grocery stores, clothing outlets, and restaurants, bringing South Asian culture into the everyday life of Papatoetoe. Hunters Plaza, a key shopping centre in the area, and Great South Road are now dotted with Indian-owned businesses.
- Cultural and Religious Institutions: Temples such as the Shri Ram Mandir and community halls support religious and cultural activities, from Diwali celebrations to yoga classes. Indian language schools and music/dance academies have also flourished here.
