Immigration New Zealand (INZ) is searching for 11 Indian nationals who overstayed their visas after travelling to Auckland for a Holi festival, with the Indian Consulate warning some may be hiding in temples or private homes.
The group had entered the country in February as part of a “Community Holi Celebration” linked to singer Shibani Kashyap. However, two weeks after their limited visas expired on 6 March, 11 members remain unlawfully in New Zealand, according to INZ.
A spokesperson for the Indian Consulate in Auckland told Stuff that the officials had been working with community leaders to locate the individuals.
As per Stuff, Indian Consulate has received information that some may be staying in “Sikh temples” (gurudwara) or “Kiwi Indians’ houses” in Auckland, Tauranga and the wider Bay of Plenty.
The spokesperson, who requested anonymity, described the situation as unprecedented in their two decades of diplomatic service and said efforts were under way to have the individuals identified and returned to India.
“It is a bad situation. I have been a diplomat for 20 years and this has never happened before.”
INZ visa director Jock Gilray said the agency was prioritising contact with those who had breached visa conditions on a case-by-case basis, but declined to provide further details due to privacy obligations and the ongoing investigation.
Of the 27 people who applied to travel as part of the group, 18 arrived in New Zealand between 11 and 24 February. Seven have since returned to India, while the remaining 11 have overstayed. Another applicant did not travel, and one was prevented from leaving India after additional concerns emerged.
Gilray said visa applications underwent extensive checks, including consultation with the Indian Consulate and verification by risk and compliance teams in India.
While the event itself was confirmed as genuine, concerns were identified in several applications, including the use of fraudulent documents. Four applications were declined and three withdrawn, while 13 short-term, event-specific visas were granted to mitigate risks.
The controversy first emerged after reports that nearly a third of visa applications linked to the group were either declined, withdrawn or flagged for irregularities before the event.
Kashyap said she had travelled independently to New Zealand as an invited artist and had no involvement in arranging visas or documentation for other members of the group.
The performers were linked to an event organised by the Pukekohe Indian Association, part of the New Zealand Indian Central Association, although it remains unclear how many of those who entered the country participated in official roles.
This was Kashyap’s second visit to New Zealand in less than a year; she previously performed at an official celebration of India’s 79th Independence Day in August 2025, presented by the High Commission of India in Wellington and the Consulate-General in Auckland.
Public commentary on the case has intensified, including criticism from Destiny Church leader Brian Tamaki, who questioned the effectiveness of New Zealand’s immigration system in a social media post.
INZ said its investigation remains ongoing.
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