To connect with Indian cultural values, New Zealand now has a ‘Waheguru Lane’

India and New Zealand (NZ) have had long-standing, friendly relations.

The Commonwealth membership, common law systems, and pursuit of common goals such as economic development and prosperity for diverse communities in both countries through democratic governance systems provide an excellent backdrop for strengthening the friendly ties.

Residents in South Auckland, particularly those in Manukau, Mangere, Manurewa, and Papatoetoe, make up almost 50% of the total population.

Waheguru Lane is a street off Redoubt Road in Manukau City that has been named in honour of the Sikh community there by the Tara-Papatoetoe Local Board of New Zealand.

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Sunshine Homes Limited took the initiative and built 18 new homes in the region, leading to this outcome.

The names Bhagat, Mohammed, and Nanak were previously chosen by the developer since they were strongly connected to Indian cultural values. Further consideration led to the private roads at 42, 42A, and 42B Redoubt Road being renamed Simran Lane, Harkirat Lane, and Waheguru Lane.

Dr Ashraf Chaudhry, a former member of parliament and a current member of the Otara Papatoetoe Local Board, has played a crucial role in securing clearance for names of Indian origins. “Naming roads and streets in new housing projects is a current manifestation of celebration of diversity. Local Councils have the power to give names to new roads and streets being built,” he told the local media.