1:22 pm today

The history of Indian farmers in New Zealand

From Afternoons, 1:22 pm today

The role of Indian migrants in New Zealand's dairy industry is a largely untold story.

Early pioneers faced significant challenges in establishing successful farms during the 1920s, but the 1930s brought more prosperity.

Today, Indian farmers are key players in New Zealand's dairy sector and are using their expertise to assist farm owners in India, helping them scale up operations and increase productivity.

Senior journalist for RNZ Asia Gaurav Sharma spoke to a number of Indian families for this story. Today, he tells Jesse about the experience.

Basanta Singh Bindra, Surjeet Singh’s grandfather, works on a farm in Pukekohe in the 1940s.

Basanta Singh Bindra, Surjeet Singh’s grandfather, works on a farm in Pukekohe in the 1940s. Photo: Supplied