Indians, Chinese credited with helping make Wellington an international city

Wellington, Sep. 5 (ANI): New Zealand-born Indians and Chinese living in Wellington have been credited with helping the capital in its quest to become an international city.

According to an Asia NZ Foundation report by Auckland University's Wardlow Friesen, India and China have close links with the city, as one-third of Indians and Chinese living in Wellington are New Zealand-born.

"The report shows how far the city has come in terms of diversity of its population, which was something people had generally embraced and celebrated.

"Its conclusions reflect a very important step on Wellington's journey to becoming a truly international city," The Dominion Post quoted Wellington Mayor Kerry Prendergast, as saying.

The study points out that a small Chinatown emerged in Wellington in the 19th century as Chinese moved north after the gold rush, whereas Indian settlement was more sporadic and gradual.

Thanks to diplomatic posts and international universities, Wellington is continuously attracting Asian population, which is predicted to double from 37,000 to 61,000 by 2012, it adds.

Asians living in Wellington consider the city to be "cosmopolitan", "quiet", and its people friendly.

"I never feel like a stranger in this city. Actually now it feels like my home," said Sarjon Warde, originally from Iraq.

There are 121 Asian restaurants in Wellington, including 30 Indian, 29 Chinese and 15 Thai restaurants. (ANI)