Costs related to Guest of Government visit from The Honourable Shri Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India
In July 2026 the New Zealand government hosted a visit from The Honourable Shri Narendra Modi. The visit was the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to New Zealand in 40 years and took place in Auckland over two consecutive days. The visit demonstrated the strengthened relationships developed between government leaders and officials over a sustained period, and celebrated the India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement.
The visit also marked the elevation of the relationship between New Zealand and India to a Strategic Partnership, establishing a new foundation for New Zealand’s engagement with India.
Key elements of the visit included:
- a Ceremony of Welcome
- a bilateral meeting between respective Prime Ministers;
- the exchange of Arrangements
- New Zealand-India Business Event, ‘Winning Partnership’ Celebration, Goldmine Innovation Experience
- a call on the Leader of the Opposition and
- community events (organised by community groups)
The visit received a significant amount of positive media coverage, both within New Zealand and internationally.
The total cost of the visit is in line with expectations and reflects the complexity and special nature of this visit.
A breakdown of costs funded by the Department of Internal Affairs is detailed below. Due to the timing of the visit, costs were paid in the 2025/26 and 2026/27 financial years:
|
Domestic travel (includes internal flights for DIA-funded officials) |
$14,728 |
|
Accommodation, meals and other travel- related costs (includes costs associated with Guest of Government and DIA-funded officials) |
$53,759 |
|
Transport (includes support provided by VIP Transport, external contractors and taxis) |
$31,141 |
|
Government Hospitality |
$244,983 |
|
General Operating Costs |
$293,698 |
|
Total (excl. GST) |
$638,309 |
Important information to be read in conjunction with the above table:
- Costs outlined above include direct visit expenditure (such as advance visits, reconnaissance activities, air travel, accommodation, venue hire, equipment/av hire, interpretation, cultural support and government hospitality), as well as indirect costs (including collateral, printing, flags and contingency-related expenses).
- The dates for the visit to New Zealand coincided with the Matariki public holiday period. This resulted in increased costs due to strong demand for event services and higher labour rates associated with public holiday work.
- DIA staff salary costs are not included as existing DIA resources were used to deliver this visit.
- DIA did not fund costs associated with community activities or events held at the Cordis hotel or at Spark Arena.
- Costs have been rounded and may be subject to minor adjustment as final invoices are received. Costs are correct as at 14 September 2026.
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