Walk down any busy street in Auckland or Wellington and you’ll likely come across an Indian-run eatery, tech business, salon, or grocery store. The entrepreneurial spirit among Indians in New Zealand is thriving like never before.

But what drives this wave? Is it the desire for independence? The cultural value placed on hard work? Or perhaps the creative “jugaad” mindset that finds a way to solve every problem?
From small home-run startups to major franchises, Indian entrepreneurs are building businesses that reflect both Kiwi professionalism and Indian flair. Yet, the road isn’t always smooth. Many face challenges around funding, compliance, visibility, and adapting to the local market.
We want to spotlight the untold stories of resilience, innovation, and cultural fusion in the business world.
We invite business mentors, economists, startup advisors, and successful entrepreneurs to weigh in on what’s driving this growth and how we can support it further.