The Mahatma Gandhi Centre in Eden Terrace Photo: RNZ / Blessen Tom
India's consulate general in Auckland officially opens Thursday, operating temporarily at the Mahatma Gandhi Centre in Eden Terrace.
The consulate would be open on weekdays between 9:30am and 5pm, according to India's High Commission in Wellington.
The office would initially be able to certify documents, with full consular services such as passport issuances/renewals, visa submissions and Overseas Citizens of India applications added later.
The Indian government announced the establishment of a consulate general in Auckland in December.
"[The] opening of consulate general of India in Auckland would help in increasing India's diplomatic footprint and strengthen India's diplomatic representation given India's increasing global engagement," a statement from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Office said at the time.
"This will also help promote India's strategic and commercial interests and better serve the welfare of the Indian community in Auckland."
Services at the Honorary Consul Office in Auckland, which was established in 2017, would be discontinued from Thursday, the High Commission said.
