NZ Indians plan $20m Taj replica

The Kiwi version of the world-famous mausoleum will rise on the site of the existing Mahatma Gandhi Centre in New North Rd, Eden Tce. Photo / Greg Bowker

An Indian group has come up with a bold plan to build a replica of the Taj Mahal in New Zealand.

The group wants to spend $20 million creating a miniature version of the world-famous mausoleum at its existing Mahatma Gandhi Centre in New North Rd, in the Auckland suburb of Eden Tce.

"New Zealanders have their Te Papa, and what we want is a building that will reflect the grandeur and the rich Indian culture and history, and be the pride of the community here," said Kanu Patel, the centre's chairman.

The replica could include a marble mausoleum, reflection pool and gold-plated ornaments.

The Mahatma Gandhi Centre, which cost $6 million to build, sits on a hectare formerly occupied by Findlay's Bakery. The Auckland Indian Association bought it for $1.9 million in 1990.

Mr Patel said it was funded mainly by donations from Indian families, but also received large contributions from the ASB Charitable Trust, Auckland City Council and Lottery Grants Board. The centre will apply to these groups to help with the new project.

"The new building will benefit not only the Indian community but also Auckland City - as a tourist attraction, maybe - so I think there is a good reason for us to be receiving support from local government and charities."

He said the centre had hosted some of the community's most significant social, cultural, religious and musical events and festivals over the years, and the new building would be doing the same, "only on a larger scale".

"Having a piece of land this size in central Auckland is like sitting on a goldmine, and we just have to maximise its potential," Mr Patel said. "Since we own the land, we will be putting all the $20 million into the building, and I think it can go quite a long way."

The centre launched its fundraising efforts this month.

Mr Patel said ideas from the community would play a big part in determining exactly what the new structure would look like, and building would start when "enough money is raised".

"The challenge will be to find a balance in the new building, which has to be iconic and at the same time multi-functional.

"The centre is, and will continue to be, the heart and the hub of the Indian community - where celebrations, weddings, classes and religious observations take place."

Local business owners the Herald spoke to generally supported the Taj Mahal idea, but said they would adopt a wait-and-see approach.

"At the moment, what we are seeing is a lot of business moving out of the area. Hopefully, the project can attract other businesses to set up here," said Erica Liang, owner-operator of Euro Cafe.

Dairy operator Satiyam Bheema didn't think the development would affect his business, but said he might start selling souvenirs if it became a tourist draw.

However, student Becca Smith, who is renting a flat on a neighbouring street, said she was concerned about the impact the development would have on carparking.

"Parking is already a problem for residents with no designated car park. This is just going to create more of a nightmare."